'\RX QUEEN OF SCOTS 



■A STE 




Class __P_S 

CORfRIGHT DEPOSfT. 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



MARY, 
QUEEN OF SCOTS 

A DRAMA IN VERSE 

IN TWO PERIODS: EIGHT SCENES 



BY 

ADA STERLING 



NEW YORK 

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 

AMERICAN BRANCH: 35 West 32nd Street 
LONDON. TORONTO. MELBOURNE. AND BOMBAY 

1921 






Copyright 1920 

BY 

ADA STERLING 
Copyright 1921 

BY 

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 
American Branch 



-©cueoseee 

MAR 12 1921 



INSCRIBED 

To the gifted artist who inspired the writing of the play 

JULIA ARTHUR 



AUTHOR'S NOTE 

It is unlikely that Schiller's Mary Stuart, with which, 
in numerous versions and adaptations, the names of 
Rachel, Ristori, Janauschek, and Modjeska have been 
linked, will ever be transcended; this, despite the accu- 
sations that have been brought against it by the hyper- 
critical. One of these is that the work is historically 
inaccurate, notably in the great garden scene. This, 
however, evokes the question as to what historical play 
is historically accurate? 

In the making of the present work, numerous docu- 
ments, diaries, plays, and other literary treatments of 
the story of the unfortunate Mary Stuart have been 
examined, including the memoirs of James Melvil (cov- 
ering his service as Secretary to Mary, in France, while 
she was still Dauphine and, afterward, while she 
reigned there), and Lord Bacon's guarded summing up 
of her rival's character in his In Felicem Memoriam 
Elizabethae. Their testimony, and that of Brantome, 
and others, is that of living witnesses. The result of 
reading it in the present author's mind has been in- 
creasing reverence for the accuracy of the German 
poet's drama. 

What constitutes the great objections to it for the- 
atre purposes today is its outgrown literary and dra- 
matic form, in which great flights of oratory take the 
places that should be given to rapid dialogue and 
action; also, that it is an incomplete story. It opens 
when Mary Stuart, after eighteen years of imprison- 

vii 



viii AUTHOR'S NOTE 

ment, had almost reached the martyrdom she was to 
undergo in her forty-fifth year. It is hard, however, 
to conceive of a stronger treatment of her tragedy at 
that period. Certainly Swinburne, with Schiller before 
him, fell far behind his predecessor in his drama of 
the same period, and of the same name. Nowadays, 
largely because of his old-time fashioning, Schiller's 
work has fallen among the shadows. 

In the play ofFered herewith, the effort has been to 
set a comprehensive life story of Scotland's unfor- 
tunate Queen within the compass of a modern theatre 
performance; and, the conviction being strong that 
Schiller's treatment of the Stuart's final tragedy repre- 
sents the apex of attainment, the author has dared, not 
merely frankly and freely, but in homage as well, to 
base the second period of this play upon the skeleton 
of that work, re-forming the elements of the debated 
garden scene, while retaining, it is hoped, the vitality 
of this and other spots. This will increase or lessen the 
estimate placed upon this play, according to the point 
from which it is viewed. The effort has been to con- 
serve, not to supersede, absorb, or to destroy; also, to 
round into a single drama the many-sided story of one 
of the most pathetic figures in kingly history, including 
the culminating injustice to Mary, Queen of Scots, 
which time has fixed, ineradicably, among the great 
judicial crimes of the ages. 

A. S. 



FIRST PERIOD 



CASTE 

In the order of their appearance 

Cardinal Lorraine 

Melvil 

Due DE Guise 

Mary Stuart 

Mary Seton 

Catherine de Medici 

Throckmorton 

Rizzio 

Darnley 

RUTHVEN 

Douglas 

Lindsay 

George Douglas 

Little Douglas 

Jane Kennedy 

Sir Amyas Pawlet 

Sir Edward Mortimer 

Lord Burleigh 

Queen Elizabeth 

Earl of Leicester 

Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury 

A Guard 

Elspeth Curle 

Burgoyne 

Extra Women, Courtiers, Guards ad lib. 

The action of the play begins 
in 1560 and ends in 1587 



EPISODE ONE 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



Scene: — A salon in the Chateau St. Germain. Door 
L. Lower and upper doors R. Rear, a wide-open 
door, through which the gardens are seen, all sunlit, 
and, beyond, above a line of trees, and seen in the 
distance, the bell-tower of St. Denis. A verandah, 
on level with salon, and outlined by balustrade, 
leads from salon to garden. The furnishings of the 
salon are simple, yet royal. 

Discovered:— ^w empty scene, flooded with sunshine. 

At rise: — Enter, on verandah, up Scene, Cardinal 
Lorraine, a tall, lean, typical Guise; brilliant eyes, 
lowered, now, in deep thought. He stops in door- 
way C, turns, as if to go on, reconsiders, and en- 
ters salon. Again shows indecision, listens. Then 
he crosses to door L., opens it, listens. He hesi- 
tates again; then resolves his problem, returns to 
door R.U.E., and calls: 
Paris ! 

[Enter a S^ervingman in livery'] 
Ask Monsieur Melvil to come here! 
\_The Servingman bows and exits. Lorraine 
walks about, pondering tensely. 

Enter, from R.U.E., Melvil. He is 
twenty-three, at most. A very buoyant per- 
sonality, in the neat dress of a not rich 
nobleman. 
Your Grace desires to see me? 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 

LORRAINE 
MELVIL 
LORRAINE 
MELVIL 



LORRAINE 
MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



Yes, Monsieur! 
[Looks observantly at Melvil, then speaks 
somewhat at random^ 
I see my Niece's ladies in the park. 
Why is their mistress not with them ? 

Your Grace, 
Her Majesty returned in tears from her 
Last visit to King Frangois' tomb. 

I'll go 
To her. 

Her Majesty, your Grace, is in 
The Royal Chapel! 

Grieving still! I fear 
Her leaving France will break her heart ! 

She came 
Back from St. Denis more composed than usual; 
But, coming on one of the Regent's suite 
Who, in the courtyard, was misusing sorely 
A handsome palfrey, much incensed, my mistress 
Rebuked him roundly; whereupon — 

[He stops J hesitating. 
What then? 
[Glances cautiously towards door down 
L. Lowers his voiced 
A lady of the Regent's train came from 
Queen Catherine's pavilion — 

Ah, I hope 
No angry words were passed? 

A few, your Grace ; 
But with them passed my mistress's resentment. 
She would have made amends for her hot speech, 
But that the Regent's lady curtly turned 
Again, to the pavilion. 



EPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



LORRAINE 
MELVIL 

LORRAINE 



MELVIL 
LORRAINE 

MELVIL 

LORRAINE 

MELVIL 

LORRAINE 

MELVIL 
LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



[Lorraine makes a gesture of indignation] 
Then, my mistress, 
Much spent with her emotions of the day. 
Dismissed her ladies, and sought reinforcement 
In prayer. 

[Lorraine walks about, his perplexity deepen- 
ing. 

The Regent leaves the Chateau — ^when? 
Within the hour, your Grace. Her retinue's 
Already gathering in the courtyard. 

She 
Has sent no answer to my message that 
The Cardinal Lorraine would see her, ere 
She goes? 

No, none, your Grace. 

Who of her suite 
Is in your confidence? 

No one, your Grace. 
You came to us commended by my sister — 
Yes! Madame Guise was benefactor to me, 
And to my brothers. 

That alone, Monsieur, 
Should weigh with you to inspire fidelity. 
Your Grace — ! 

{^Moderating his severity, slightly] 

Come, Melvil! You are young, and I 
Can make allowance for your youth. Who of 
The Regent's suite is in your confidence? 
Be frank ! If 'tis some matter of the heart — 

[Enter, with paper in hand, from L., the DUC 
DE Guise. Stands silently, listening, 
I do assure you, there is none, your Grace, 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 
MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 
LORRAINE 



In all the Regent's Court — in petticoats 
Or breeches— I'd place faith in. No, not one! 
[Takes paper, which GuiSE hands to 
him, glances at it'\ 
You have some correspondence, I believe, 
With England's Embassy? 

[Taken backl 

Why, none, your Grace, 

Save that which I, as Secretary to 

My Royal Mistress, am obliged to have. 

I must exact, Monsieur, completest candor! 

[Slightly choleric'] 
And I beseech your Grace, deal openly 
With me. 

I will ; as in the past, my brother, 
The due de Guise, and I have ever dealt 
With you. Have we not, both, been kind ? 

Your Grao 

Since I came here to serve her Majesty, 
You've covered me with kindnesses. 

We have 
Done more— we have entrusted you with secrets 
Pertaining to the welfare of our Niece. 

Your Grace — 

You know the jealousy that leads 

The Medici to wish our Niece away 
From France; that of Elizabeth, who fears 
Lest Marie's presence in England, even in passing 
En route for Scotland, may inflame the people 
To hail her, as she is, their rightful Queen. 

[Melvil would stop him, but he hurries on] 
This fear that gnaws Elizabeth's mean heart 
Has led her to refuse safe-conduct to 



I 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 5 

Our Niece, save on conditions, which forever, 
Thereafter, would exclude her from the throne 
Of England, which Elizabeth now holds, 
Unlawfully. — ^You know how she, to weaken 
Our Niece's hands, has, in her absence from 
Her kingdom, Scotland, interfered there. She's 
Industrious in intrigue and dissembling; 
Connives, too, with contentious Scottish Lords 
Against my Niece's sovereignty. 

Ay ! Seeing 
Her, by King Frangois' death, replaced by Catherine 
Upon the throne of France, Elizabeth 
Would take advantage of your young Queen's plight 
To force her to renounce the throne of England 
On penalty of barring her from Scotland, 
Which she, then, by some trick would annex to Eng- 
land. 
You know all this. Monsieur, and why our Niece 
Must circumvent her, by at once departing 
For Scotland. 

[Stops Melvil, affain] 
You, the due de Guise, and I 
Have had the guarding of the knowledge of 
Our plans for her embarkment, on which hangs. 
It may be, even the life of your young Queen — 
Your Grace, I do entreat you — 

Wait, Monsieur — 
This paper now confirms what has been too 
Apparent for some days, that one of us — 
It may be by some trifling indiscretion — 
But one of us who're in the important secret 
Has failed to guard it. We must ascertain, 
Before we can undo the ill effects. 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period : 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



GUISE 



LORRAINE 



GUISE 



What has been done, and who has done it. You 
Despatched some hours ago a document 
Addressed to the Ambassador of England — 
I have the copy of it here! 

[Hands document to Lorraine] 
As you 
Will see, it is a transcript of the letter 
Your Grace dictated, and in which the Queen 
Refuses, finally, to sign the Treaty 
Of Edinburgh, on the ground that it 
Involves the sacrifice of Scottish rights. 

[Having scanned paper, hands it to Guise] 
You've been in conversation with the Regent, 
Who, though in public she displays somewhat 
Of softness to your Queen, is, in reality. 
Her enemy. I would not trust her in 
This vexing controversy 'twixt our Niece 
And England. 

[Hands paper to Lorraine, who returns 
it to Melvil] 
No, nor I. Ah, how she hated 
To see a girl — a Guise — so supersede her! 
Her sorrow at her son's untimely death 
Was swallowed in her joy, that she, in turn, 
Might take the crown from Marie Stuart. 

[Listens, eyes on door down R., walks towards it. 
Speaks insincerely, loudly^ 

Ah, 
Our Niece was widowed by the will of God. 

[Opens door, suddenly, looks out. Closes it 
again. 
[Up Scene, walking about. Bitterly'^ 
Or by slow poison, which the Medicis 



EPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



LORRAINE 
MELVIL 



GUISE 

LORRAINE 

MELVIL 

GUISE 

MELVIL 



LORRAINE 

GUISE 

MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



So well know how to brew and to administer 
To those who bar their way to power ! 

Be guarded! 
I pray you, give me leave to speak! I have 
Had converse with the Regent, who, upon 
Three several occasions, has warm urged me 
To stay in France — 

So? 

In her service, Melvil? 
Even so, your Grace. 

Your answer? 

I could make 
But one: 'Twas Madame Guise sent me from Scot- 
land 
To serve your Niece, the Dauphine, then, of 
France — 

[Almost in tears^ 
And serve her Majesty I will, your Grace, 
So long as I have life! I said so, straight, 
To the Queen Regent, as I tell it now. 
Thanks, Melvil! That relieves my heart. 

And mine! 

I do 
Assure your Graces — both — your confidence 
Restored, much eases mine. 

Still, we must probe 
This matter. Tell me — You've been careful not 
To name the port from which the galleys sail? 
So careful that I have misnamed it, strongly. 
In talking with a member of the staff 
Of the Ambassador from England, I 
Laid stress upon the preference the Queen 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



LORRAINE 



GUISE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



Expressed, continually, to stay in France; 
But, if she sails, to leave by way of Havre. 
Ah? Excellent! — if he to whom you spoke 
Believed it, which I doubt. 

The policy 
Of Lord Throckmorton would be quick to point 
His nose to Calais, if you spoke of Havre! 

[Up Scene, beyond the railing of loggia, 
Mary's ladies, accompanied by courtiers, 
one with a lute, stroll from L. to R., laugh- 
ing, coquetting. 
Your Grace, I sent out to the Port of Havre 
Some false despatches to give colour of truth 
To other news which I have set afloat ; 
To wit: My Royal Mistress is resolved 
To sail a month hence. 

Now we have the secret! 
Go, Melvil, and recall to Madame Medici 
We wait her pleasure. 

[To Guise] 

She is ill-disposed 
To recognize the Princes of the Church 
As having right to summon her to audience ! 

[Guise shrugs his shoulders. To Melvil] 
Remind your Mistress that the hour is here 
For Madame Medici's departure. 

Yes, 
Your Grace. 

[Turns to go. LoRRAiNE recalls him. 
And set a watch upon the highroad, 
And bring us word at once of the approach 
Of Lord Throckmorton's suite. 



EPISODE l] 
MELVIL 

LORRAINE 



GUISE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 9 

My Lord is coming 
Here? Will his Queen relent and send safe-conduct? 
That's to be hoped for ; yet not likely. Go ! 

[Melvil turns up C] 
But to the Regent, first. 

[Melvil turns, exits down R. To Guise, 
who walks about'\ 

Our zealous Melvil 
In placing thus the date so far away, 
And with particularity, has roused 
Suspicion of our actual plan to put 
To sea, at once. 

We must effect that end 
Before a larger fleet is gathered, that 
May oppose the Royal galleys' sailing. From 
The information now at hand, my Lord 
Concludes we have been lying as to Havre. 
Now, if we change our story, he'll suspect 
That we again are lying as to Calais. 
He will, at least, spread out the fleet now lurking 
About that port — if what the fishermen 
[There say is true. 

\^Re-enters from down jR.] 

The Regent sends her compliments ; 
Also this word: Her Majesty will walk 
Soon in the Park, where, if your Grace will follow, 
She'll talk with you. 

The upstart! To the last 
She would humiliate the house of Guise ! 

[^Laughter heard, off Scene, up R., of 
ladies and courtiers^ 
Go, Melvil! Set about informing all 
Who'll make the journey with our Niece, and those 



lO 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 1 



MELVIL 
GUISE 



MELVIL 



GUISE 
SETON 

VOICES 

GUISE 



VOICES 
MARY 



Especially who travel but to Calais, 

That they no more make mystery of route 

Or destination. Let them talk of both 

Quite freely; and with much pretended secrecy 

Do you despatch a courier to Havre 

To announce the Queen's departure at that Port. 

At once, your Grace. 

And let your " secrecy " 
Be so obtrusive as to force itself 
Upon the attention of the curious. 
I will, your Grace! Trust me! 

[Laughing, exits L. Sounds of mirth and 
music up Scene off R. increase. Guise looks 
off. 

Our Niece's ladies! 
[Heard outside, R. Calling'^ 
Her Majesty at last! 

[In chorus, calling eagerly^ 
Your Majesty! 
Our Niece is coming. 

[Enter, on loggia, from L., Mary, carrying 
her Book of Hours. Enter from R. an eager 
throng of women and courtiers, hurrying 
to meet her. 

Oh, your Majesty! 
[To Seton, who would take her hook; 
waving all back^ 
No, no ! Go back ! — Go, all of you ! Enjoy 
The hours of sunshine that remain, and those 
Blue skies ! I would not have you lose a cloud — 
A single, changing cloud that floats off yonder! 
Each memory you take away with you 
Will, by and by, gleam golden, in grey Scotland. 



EPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



II 



LORRAINE 

GUISE 

MARY 

LORRAINE 



MARY 



LORRAINE 



GUISE 



LORRAINE 



MARY 



LORRAINE 
MARY 



Go ! Roam among the flowers ! Go ! laugh, and sing — 
You, Fleming, cull me some of those late roses ; 
And, Brantome, play a chanson on your lute — 
Go — all of you! Drink in deep breaths of those 
Green woods! — 

[Group moves away, R., reluctantly, Bran- 
TOME strumming on his lute. Mary looks^ 
after them, wistfully^ 

Ah, France! My country! Can it be 
That I must leave you ? Oh, how can I — 

Marie! 
Come, Marie! 

[Turns, weeping on Lorraine's breast^ 

Uncle ! Uncle ! 
[Soothes her. Faint, plaintive lute music, 
distant^ 

So, the last 
Hard parting has been made from Frangois? 

Must 
It really be the last? 

Come, come! The time 
Is past for weeping. 

You, who are a Guise — 
And Stuart — 

Your salt tears add sweetness to 
The triumph of the Medici ; besides, 
Henceforth, your watchword must be : " Forward " ! 

"Forward"? 
Can I cry forward, when fate sends me back 
To Scotland — 

Tut, tut— 

Land of barren moors, 
Of gloomy, silent lakes *mong rugged mountains — 



12 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 1 



GUISE 
MARY 



LORRAINE 



MARY 



And then — the rugged people! Kilted courtiers — 
Bagpipes, instead of lutes and harpsichords, 
And porridge In the place of pretty pastry! 
I dread the journey worse than death! 

Come, Marie! 
You say that. Uncle, who have never been there ! 
Why! I recalj those rough and angry seas 
I crossed to come to France, my mother's country, 
With gratitude ! As they were gates let down 
Between me and the gloomiest of childhoods ! 
Ah, when I think of that bare monastery 
Set on a lonely island, where I was 
Immured for years — the only love I knew 
Came from the hearts of my four Marys, yonder, 
Now laughing happily as maidens should ; 
Then, helpless children, 'prisoned there with me 
To while away my tedium! Why, dear Uncles, 
Until I came to France I never knew 
What love — or freedom — no, nor sunshine meant! 
As I look back at it, it seems as if 
All life in Scotland were a cold bleak prison! 
For you it was a prison, child ! Your mother 
Had need to guard you closely, against Henry, 
Who feared, as does Elizabeth, his daughter, 
Your claim upon the English crown ; and sought. 
When other plots fell down, to effect his purpose 
By marriage 'twixt you and his sickly son. 
I recollect that, clearly. I was five 
When the Ambassador came in to view 
The Royal wares he was employed to buy ! 
He wished to prove me sound, and whole ; for some. 
It seemed, had spread report that I was humped 
And crooked as the English Richard ! 



EPISODE l] 
GUISE 

MARY 

GUISE 

LORRAINE 
MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



13 



LORRAINE 



MARY 
LORRAINE 



Ah, 



MARY 



The canaille! 

So, my mother stripped me, held me 
All squirming and protesting lustily. 
I, somehow, did not take to English phizzes! 

[Joins in her laughter^ 
Ah, thanks to Mary Guise, he failed in all 
His plots! 

As, thanks to Mary Stuart, her daughter, 
His spawn, Elizabeth, will fail in hers! 
Yes — but I want no needless struggles! I'll 
Not press my claims, unless Elizabeth 
Obliges it ; but she, they say, has made 
A vow she will not wed. Be that as may be. 
Until we know each other, she mistrusts me! — 
Once I am safe in Scotland, I shall seek 
Some cousinly arrangement with her — that 
If she'll proclaim me heir, we'll set these differences 
At rest. — Be sure I shall be diplomatic! 
You think j^ou can be so? Ah, Marie, if 
You'd be a diplomat, you must first learn 
To hold your Impulses In rein. 

Why, Uncle- 
But, I'll admit, you've ever had a wise 
Head on young shoulders! You, who ruled so 

proudly 
In France, have borne humiliation from 
The Regent, since — with tact and gentleness. 
But, come! She leaves St. Germain in the hour; 
Whereafter, we must leave for Calais. 

Oh, 
Not yet ! It Is too soon ! 



GUISE 
MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



LORRAINE 



MARY 



LORRAINE 



MELVIL 



LORRAINE 



MARY 



If we delay 
'Twill be too late. Affairs in Scotland are 
Too serious. 

Uncle ! What a fate to be 
A Queen ! My crown's a magnet, as it seems, 
To draw about me malice — treachery, 
And rouse cupidity 'mong those who envy! 
I'd rather be the Queen of Poetry 
Among the flowers of France — 

You have no choice! 
You are the Queen of Scotland, and allied 
With every throne in Europe — 

But I'm going 
Away from you I 

Tut, tut, my child, there's naught 
To harm you ! Scotland is not far from France 
When seas are free. By letter, or commission, 
By every sail that flutters from our port 
You shall have word — 

[Enter, Melvil, from L. 
Your Grace — your Majesty — 
A courier, preceding the Ambassador, 
Has just arrived with these despatches. 

[Hands despatches to Lorraine, who reads 
addresses. 

Ah—? 
" Her Majesty, the Queen of Scotland ! " — for 
The Regent — 

[Gives despatch to Melvil, who exits down L. 

with it, 
[Reads her despatch, hands it to others, 
to read^ 
He requests an audience with me — 



i 






EPISODE l] 



GUISE 
MARY 

GUISE 
MARY 

LORRAINE 



GUISE 



MARY 



LORRAINE 



MARY 
GUISE 



MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 15 

But he says nothing of safe-conduct ! Oh, 

Elizabeth will never let me go 

To Scotland till I sign the Treaty. 

Never ! 
Let nothing ever tempt you, Marie, to it! 

[Dubious, as Lorraine studies despatch} 
But vi^as not Henry, father of my Frangois, 
A party to the making of it? 

Yes! 
He always loved me, truly. Would he draw 
A treaty that could harm me? 

Far from it! 
He meant to enlarge your rights, not to curtail them ! 
He builded on poor Frangois' life — alas! 
Now, all's reversed; his death dissolves the Treaty. 
What's more, you could not sign a paper that 
Involves the rights of Scotland, without conference 
In person with your Parliament. 

But how 
Am I to have it, if Elizabeth 
Refuses a safe-conduct? 

You must show 
Yourself superior to lawless threats! 
I tell you her demand is subterfuge 
To hide a base cupidity ! 

Ah, well — 
It is absurd to ask your signature 
To papers drawn when you were Queen of France, 
Of which you are no longer part, or subject! 
Ah, Uncle! That's the saddest thought of all ! 
I am a part of France — France part of me 
Who am descended from a hundred Kings 
Who ruled here — 



i6 



GUISE 



LORRAINE 



CATHERINE 
LORRAINE 



GUISE 
CATHERINE 



MARY 

CATHERINE 

MARY 
CATHERINE 



I 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS [period i 

[Almost imperceptibly, door down R. opens, as 
Scene proceeds. 

Very true ; but that's another 
Good reason for your going. There is no 
Room for you, now, in France, where erstwhile shop 

keepers 
Of Florence sit securely in the saddle! 

[^The face of Catherine seen in slightly opened 
door, down R. Expression of tightening 
hatred^ \ 

A curse upon the breed of Medicis ! 
How long, oh Lord, how long? 

[Enter, with royal swieep, from down R.' 
Catherine, her face wreathed in smiles, 
veiling her triumph, and sarcasm. She 
looks not at all at Guise and Lorraine, hut 
goes to Mary, who rises from settle, to 
greet her. 

Ma chere — 

Your Majesty 
\Bows, draws up Scene. GuiSE, the same 
after speech. 
Your Majesty — 

\To Mary. Her hypocrisy apparent 
under smiles^ 
In tears again, ma chere? 
It is at sight of you, your Majesty, 
My Francois' mother! 

Ah, these earthly partings 
Are sad! I, too, must leave you, very shortly. 
Oh, I'm heartbroken! 

[Sits on settle, with Mary] 

How I wish I might 



JPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



17 



VIARY 



:atherine 

MARY 

:atherine 



VIELVIL 

MARY 
CATHERINE 

MARY 
CATHERINE 

MARY 
CATHERINE 



Go some leagues farther with you. But, you know 
Affairs inost urgent call me back to Court. 
I must revive the pageant in which you, 
Ma chere, so dazzled everyone ! 

Alas, 
Your Majesty, I have forgotten pageants! 
I have forgotten everything, of late. 
Forgive my tears ! It is no pleasant prospect 
To leave the land I love and go to face 
The strangers who, though they're my subjects, 

seem, 
From all I hear of them, like enemies. 
The English Queen is of your kindred — 

[Up Scene Lorraine and Guise show anger\ 

Yes— 
You know how I regard the English, one 
And all! I'll never be content until 
I've driven every one of them from France! 

[Enter Melvil, L. He bows to the Queens, in 
turn, then turns up, after speech to Lor- 
raine and Guise. 
Your Majesty — your Majesty! My Lord 
Ambassador from England has arrived. 
The emissary of my ardent enemy! 

[Laughtng~\ 
Were you a Medici you'd have no enemies. 
Ah, how avoid them? 

Very simply, Marie! 
Destroy them! 

Oh, your Majesty! 

It is 
The one safe way. Dead enemies are harmless. 



i8 



LORRAINE 



MARY 



LORRAINE 

GUISE 

THROCKMORTON 



LORRAINE 
GUISE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



[RiseSj as Lorraine and Guise come down, 
Melvil with them. To Melvil] 
My Lord Throckmorton has requested audience; 
But I must take a last look at the Park — 

[To Mary] 
I have in mind a fete that must be planned. 
If you, ma chere — 

[Casually J to Lorraine] 

your Grace — have business with 
My Lord, precede me with him. I'll return 
Anon. 

[Sweeps up Scene, to C. Exits, turning R. 
[To Melvil] 
I'll see my Lord Ambassador — 
[To Mary] 
And you? 

Pray see him first. I must compose 
Myself, by going apart awhile. I will 
Return at once. 

[She exits, R.U.E. Melvil exits L., but re- 
turns, ushering in THROCKMORTON. He is 
a self-important, blunt, overbearing Saxon 
type. 

Monsieur I'Ambassadeur ! 
Monsieur I'Ambassadeur — 

[To first one, and then the other. Bad French^ 

Messieurs, bon jour! 
Your Grace — your Grace. It's rumoured in the city 
The Queen of Scotland's leaving soon for Havre. 

[Guise and Lorraine exchange a glance, 
which he sees. 
An error, Monsieur. She will sail from Calais. 
Will you be seated? 



EPISODE l] 
THROCKMORTON 

LORRAINE 



THROCKMORTON 



LORRAINE 



GUISE 



LORRAINE 



THROCKMORTON 

GUISE 

LORRAINE 

GUISE 

THROCKMORTON 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 19 

[Sits without thanking him. To Lorraine] 
So she sails, your Grace ? 
Monsieur I'Ambassadeur, allow me, first, 
As one entitled by my cloth to speak — 
What is the purpose of your visit to 
St. Germain ? Does your Queen, at last, withdraw 
Her opposition to our Niece's passage 
To Scotland? 

No, your Grace ; nor will she, till 
The Treaty, which I've brought again with me, 
[Draws out document. Very voluminous^ 
Is signed — In full — by Mary, Queen of Scotland. 
I am instructed by our Queen to state it 
In plainest language. 

Yours could not be plainer. 
Monsieur I'Ambassadeur ! 

Nor more barbaric. 
This ultimatum Is an Insult! It 
Is mere abuse of power! 

Her action Is 
Unprecedented, as between two princes! 
To bar the peaceful passage of a Queen 
To her own kingdom — 

It will not be barred 
By Queen Elizabeth, if Mary Stuart 
Will ratify the Treaty. 

Never ! 

Never ! 
This is the barg'ning of a robber chief 
Holding his victim at a ruinous ransom ! 
Our Queen, your Grace of Guise, pretends no taste 
For fashion, even of speech — 



20 
GUISE 

LORRAINE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 1 



GUISE 



THROCKMORTON 



LORR.\INE 



GUISE 
THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 
THROCKMORTON 

CATHERINE 



They are not wanting 
Who say your Queen " pretends " in everything! 

[^Restraining Guise] 
Your Queen would have our Niece resign her rights — 
Those she was born to — on the penalty 
Of suffering exile ? 

Does your Queen want war ? 
It is but two years since Elizabeth's 
Half-sister challenged France, and, for her pains. 
Lost Calais! 

Do you threaten us, your Grace? 
In which case France, in turn, may lose that port — 
It is of little consequence to us. 
Our fleet, however, is not what it was ; 
And we are not alarmed at talk of war ! 

[Catherine, smiling, appears on loggia. Lor- 
raine, to Guise and Throckmorton, fw 
terposing. 
Enough, monsieur I'Ambassadeur. Henri — 
The Regent is returning. 

[Enter, Catherine, up C] 

Madame — 

Madame ! 
[Presses past the Guises, to Catherine. 
Fawning, throughout scene] 
Your Majesty — Fm charmed I come in time. 
I understand you leave the Chateau soon? 

[Continues, throughout, her smiles] 
Today, Monsieur! 

So soon! But I'm in time 
On the behalf of my most gracious Queen 
To offer you my homage — 

Thanks, Monsieur — 



gPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



21 



THROCKMORTON 



5UISE 



LORRAINE 



JUISE 



irHROCKMORTON 



tUISE 



THROCKMORTON 



.ORRAINE 



I trust you are the bearer of good news? 
Perhaps the long withheld safe-conduct for 
The Queen of Scotland? 

Majesty — that question, 
As I have been explaining to Messieurs, 
Still hangs upon the signing of the Treaty. 
It hangs, my Lord, upon the English Queen's 
Intention to wrest from our Niece her rights. 
[Snaps his finger almost in Throck- 
morton's face'] 
As for your Queen's safe-conduct, that for it! 
My Lord, our Niece leaves France when it shall please 

her: 
And she shall never sign away her rights 
To England's crown, her lawful heritage. 

[As Catherine looks on, amused] 
Your Grace Insists she has a claim on it, 
But that's a question still to be decided. 
In England, possibly; but in the minds 
Of European Kings and of the Pope, 
It has been settled. 

Well, your Grace, possession 
Decides it. Queen Elizabeth Is Queen 
By virtue of her father's will. Were one 
Acclaimed, as Is your Niece, free, now, to pass 
Among our people, what seditions might 
Arise? Why, on this subject, they're already 
Too wide divided ! 

Ah, my Lord, that statement 
Exposes the true basis of your fears. 
[To Catherine] 
Your pardon, Madame — the Ambassador 
Would speak with you — 



22 



THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 
THROCKMORTON 
CATHERINE 
THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 



THROCKMORTON 

CATHERINE 
THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS [period li 

[Up Scene, with GuiSE, and apart, on the, 
loggia, 

I'm sure your Majesty 
Can understand my Queen's dilemma. She 
Is much embarrassed by this conflict with 
Queen Mary Stuart. 

{Plays with him, though he does not see //] 
Ah, it troubles her? 
Your Majesty knows well of what the Guises 
Are capable. 

Oh, pardon ! Let us not 
Mix things. Monsieur! 

Your pardon. Majesty — 
Of course, if it is true — as Rumour says, 
Your Majesty intends to make a marriage 
Between the widow and your next son, Charles, 
Now minor King — 

Monsieur! Your Rumour's English, 
Or Huguenot, for, were he French, and Catholic, 
As we are, he would more respect our laws. 
Which call such unions mere licentious lust. 
That question is, at least, disposed of quickly. 
Your Majesty, It's settled, as you say. 
I understand the Queen of Scotland sails 
From Calais. 

So ? And when will she arrive 
In Scotland? 

That, your Majesty, depends — 
[Lorraine and Guise on loggia. He 
lowers his voiced 
But on it hangs my reason for requesting 
An audience with your Majesty. 

Ah? 



iPISODE l] 
HROCKMORTON 



r 



:atherine 

pHROCKMORTON 

catherine 
hrockmorton 

Catherine 



'hrockmorton 

:atherine 

hrockmorton 



ATHERINE 



HROCKMORTON 



ATHERINE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 

Madame, 
If I am blunt, forgive me ; but I know 
Your time is short — 

Go on, my Lord — 
My Royal Mistress is concerned to know 
Your Majesty's opinion on the matter 
Of this vexatious Treaty. 

Pray, Monsieur — 
My Mistress much desires close friendship 'twixt 
Her realm and yours — 

I have had proof of it. 
She has shown it by pursuing, here, the policy 
She has pursued in Scotland. Wait, Monsieur — 
Has she not sent there emissaries to 
Undo the faith of Scottish Catholics? Sent 
Reformers here, to France, to stimulate 
The Huguenots? 

'Tis calumny! 

I hope so. 
Well, Madame, may I ask, with due respect. 
What attitude you take in this sad quarrel 
Between j^our late son's widow and our Queen? 

[Play in ff with him again, all smiles'] 
'Tis not within my province to incline 
Towards one Queen, or the other. 

But, Madame — 
If you would tell me — confidentially — 
Suppose the Queen of England were obliged 
To intercept upon the seas, the Queen 
Of Scotland — if, indeed, she risk the voyage — 
Monsieur I'Ambassadeur, you spread your nets 
In vain. I am an equal friend to both 



23 



24 



THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 



THROCKMORTON 



CATHERINE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 1 



The Queens, and will not interfere between them. 

[Turns J to dismiss him., 
And yet, your Majesty — one moment — were 
A circumstance to arise, in which the Queen, 
My Mistress, were to seize the Queen of Scotland, 
Would France to war on that account? 

In this, 

France will have naught to do. Come, come, my Lord ! 
Desist ! It is not seemly we should hold 
More discourse on this subject. 

[Lorraine enters from loggia, crosses to 
R.U.E., and is about to knock, but Mary 
enters. They converse up Scene, earnestly, 
Mary glancing down towards Catherine. 
Catherine lowers her voice. To 
Throckmorton ] 

If you must 
Continue to debate the sorry question, 
'Twere better to address the Queen direct 
Whom it concerns. But, mark you, France is not 
Committed, in the least — in any way! 

[Raises voice'] 
So I will say, Adieu, Monsieur — 

[Throckmorton bows himself away, L. 
stands, watching. Lorraine and Guisi 
turn from him, coming down. Mary^ com 
ing down, meets Catherine. 

Adieu, 
Your Majesty! 

[To Mary, kissing her] 

Ma chere! Adieu! 

[To Lorraine and Guise] 



EPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



25 



MARY 



CATHERINE 



MARY 



THROCKMORTON 



MARY 



THROCKMORTON 
MARY 



THROCKMORTON 



MARY 



Adieu, 
Your Grace ! You stay in France ; you shall have audi- 
ence 
On some occasion, later. Adieu. Marie! 

[Would cling to her^ 
Adieu — Oh, no! I cannot bear it! I 
Would rather stay in France — a hundred times. 

[Presses Mary to her. Dissembling~\ 
Adieu, ma chere ! Adieu ! Adieu ! Adieu ! — 

[Turns J pretends to be overcome; hurried exit, 
down R, 
[Looks after her, curiously, through tears^ 
Adieu — 

[Approaches Mary. Very businesslike'\ 

Your Majesty — 
[Drying her eyes. GuiSE and Lorraine 
retire to loggia^ 

My Lord Throckmorton — 
You would have audience with me. Pardon me, 
I was forgetting — 

'Tis about the Treaty. 
[Smiles through tears^ 
My Lord — the Treaty? 'Tis the only subject, 
I think, on which I ever hear from England. 
When Frangois died, your Lord of Bedford came 
With consolations from your Queen, and he 
Began as you have done: " Your Majesty — 
About that Treaty ! " 

Madame, 'tis a subject 
That may be ended by a simple stroke 
Upon a bit of parchment. 

But that stroke 
I'll never make, my Lord. My answer's final. 



26 
THROCKMORTON 

MARY 

THROCKMORTON 

MARY 

THROCKMORTON 



MARY 



THROCKMORTON 
MARY 



THROCKMORTON 
LORRAINE 



GUISE 



MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period ] 



Oh, very well, Madame. And so you mean 
To take the boat at Calais? 

Calais — ? Surely! 
You will defy the Queen of England, then? 
Who is the so-called Queen of England, to 
Decree the going out and coming in 
To her own kingdom of the Queen of Scotland? 
[Cannot answer. Takes another turn; 
another short stop'\ 
Come, Madame, once for all ! Do you insist 
Upon this claim ? You still refuse to sign 
Renunciation of it? Do you? 

Yes, 
My Lord ! By every law my claim is just. 
Born lawfully, derived from Royal Stuarts, 
I am the natural Queen of England ; she 
Who reigns, the natural daughter of King Henry. 
Beware, Madame — 

I speak the truth — 
[Lorraine and Guise cross the loggia, liste 

astonished, 

I tell you- 

[Szvings down C, followed by Guise] 
Monsieur I'Ambassadeur, your tone is not 
The one in which my Niece, a Royal Lady, 
May safely be addressed. 

Do you presume 

To threaten Mary Stuart? 

[Mary interposes. 

He presumed — 

But I am sure my Lord regrets it — Leave us — 

[Guise and Lorraine return to loggia, 

exit from it slowly} 



SPISODE l] 



'HROCKMORTON 



ylARY 



[ARY 



HROCKMORTON 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 27 

My Lord Ambassador, be seated. I've 

No wish to anger you, or speak in malice — 

I state such facts as all men, freely, know. 

But I'd not wound your Queen. I'll be content, 

As I've already said, and many times, 

To wait, if she will name me her successor. 

That is impossible. My Queen would never 

Consent to listen to such talk. Why, Madame, 

Would you have her live on, a winding sheet 

Perpetually before her eyes? 

My Lord, 
She speaks quite frequently of epitaphs! 
Has she not chos'n her own on which she'd be 
Described as Virgin queen? her only Spouse 
Her people ? I, my Lord, when in my cradle 
Was sacredly anointed as the Queen ; 
My claims, therefore, are just. And yet, my Lord, 
I'll say no more of them. I ask, as is 
The common right of all, the privilege 
Of passing through your country into mine, 
That I may meet my ministers of State, 
Confer with them on many important matters. 
I dare say ! That reminds me of a point 
My Royal Mistress is in mind to settle. 
She fears that you intend to make all Scotland 
Turn papist? 

As all England was, a few 
Short years ago? Why, this, my Lord, is meddling! 
What! would your Queen, refusing me safe-conduct 
Through England, now presume to write our 

prayers ? 
My Lord, my subjects will be free to serve their God 



29 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 1 



THROCKMORTON 
MARY 



THROCKMORTON 

MARY 
THROCKMORTON 

MARY 
THROCKMORTON 



MARY 



As pleases them. But Fm a Catholic, 
And baptized in the faith; so shall I live. 
So shall I die. My subjects are as free — 
Ah, very good — 

Oh— thank you! But your Queen, 
We hear, is not so liberal as that 
She may exact such promise from me. It 
Is even said that she dissembles her 
True faith. She makes laws 'gainst the papists, 

who. 
Encouraged in times past to live in England, 
Have trusted to its justice ; but, 'tis said. 
She hides a crucifix within her closet. 
Mine— 

[Takes crucifix up, kisses it^ 
I wear openly. But, that point's settled. 
Come! what of the safe-conduct? 

'Twill be issued 
When you have signed the Treaty. Otherwise — 
Yes ? — otherwise ? 

Well, Madame, otherwise — 
You leave France at a risk. 

Of what, my Lord? 
[After a moment~\ 
Well, Madame, I have given you the message 
Transmitted by the Queen, my Royal Mistress. 
I've nothing more to say on her behalf. 
But, if you'll state your answer — finally. 
And ratify the Treaty — 

My Lord, 
It is impossible that I proceed , 

Without the counsel of the lords and nobles 
Of my own realm, to have which I must go 



EPISODE l] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



29 



Among them. This, in numerous ways, I have 
Reiterated to you. Come, my Lord ! 
What lies behind the signing of this treaty 
Which may, in any way, work prejudice 
To Queen Elizabeth's affairs? Be open! 
Some cogent reasons — not apparent in 
Your presentation of your Queen's demands — 
There must be for her strange behaviour to me. 

THROCKMORTON My Queen's displeasure rises wholly from 
Your own ill will, which will not ratify 
The Treaty made at Edinburgh. 

MARY Then, 

My Lord, I pray you, act as may become 
An honourable Minister, whose part 
It is to make things better between princes 
Who disagree, rather than worse. Convey 
This message to your Queen — my final one: 
The Treaty, as 'twas made, involved the name 
Of Frangois, King of France. He, now, is dead- 
I have no power to meet Elizabeth's will. 
I cannot change the charters that were made 
By Francois, acting as the King of France. 
Nor can I, as your Queen exacts, as part 
Of this same Treaty, bind, deliver to her, 
French Bishops, whom she seeks to punish. 



THROCKMORTON 

MARY 
THROCKMORTON 

MARY 



So, 
You Still refuse to ratify the Treaty? 
I do, my Lord. 

Then, Madame, as I said, 
You sail at your own risk. 

ril sail, my Lord. 
I shall at once embark for Scotland ; trust 
To the one Judge above to take me safely. 



30 MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS [-period i 

I pray the winds will be so favouring 

That I need, nowhere, touch the English coast; 

But if I do, and if Elizabeth 

Should seize me, why, again, I'll trust to God! 

And now, my Lord — your audience is ended. 

[Turns up Scene, where, on threshold, Lor- 
raine stands, alone. Throckmorton 
looks after her; infuriated, he clenches his 
fist; then rushes suddenly for door, L., exits , 
slamming it after him. 
MARY [To Lorraine, while looking over sunlit 

Gardens of St. Germain~\ 

So, Uncle, I am ready! I will go! 

Dear France, I feel I never more shall see you ; 

But I will go, leaving you half myself — 

My two dear treasures: Frangois, and my mother, 

Asleep, both of them, in your breast. Adieu — ! 

curtain 



EPISODE TWO 



SETON 



MELVIL 
SETON 



MELVIL 



SETON 



MELVIL 



SETON 



MELVIL 



Scene: — Queen's Cabinet at Holyrood. 
Time: — Early evening. 

At rise: — Mary Seton comes down spiral staircase, 
and hurries to the top of descending stairs, calling. 
Sebastien ! 

\^A Valet's head appears above the lower stairs~\ 
Fais vite le souper! Nous 
Aurons, ce soir, six couverts! Allez! Allez! 
\_Valet exits down stairs. 

Enter, Melvil, a big, debonnaire Saxon; 
a politic, but honest courtier, a bit sly in his 
enquiries. 
Good even, Mistress Seton! 

Oh, Monsieur! — 
Oh, pardon ! All our people, being French — 
Is't you, at last, Sir Melvil ? You've returned 
From England? 

But a few hours since. I sent 
Apprisement of my coming to the Queen. 
The French Ambassador is with her, Sir. 
But if you'll sit a moment, I will tell her. 
I passed the Banquet Hall as I came here. 
'Twas lighted, brilliantly. 

His Grace the King 
Is feasting with the Lords ; her Majesty, 
As 'twere, being in retirement just now. 
I understand in preparation for 
A Royal heir ?— 'Tis true, then ? Well, thank God ! 

31 



32 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



SETON 



MELVIL 

SETON 

MELVIL 

SETON 

MELVIL 
SETON 



MELVIL 
SETON 



And yet, the King looked not so happy, Mistress. 

He was in converse with Red Douglas. 

Sir, 

His Grace, of late, hath been ill-tempered! He 

Is blust'ry as those winds that roar without ! 

'Tis gossipped he complains the Queen will not 

Appease him with the interview he seeks? 

Nor will she, Sir, until he mends his manners! 

Ah, so? 

Her Majesty is true offended 

Against his Grace. 

Nay, Mistress, that news grieves me. 

The King has ceased to woo. Sir, being married. 

He is no longer the assiduous Consort, 

But violently jealous of Madame 

And every man she looks at — even poor Rizzio, 

Whose one fault is that he can sing so well ! 

The Queen, as you know, loves sweet music. Sir — 

I can say this to you, in confidence — 

The King's a slave to vices I'd not name! 

He's young; unused to being King. 

And headstrong — 

He's tossed about, a very plaything in the hands 

Of these rough Lords. Why, Sir, he'd like to wield 

Her sceptre ! But — I will now to the Queen, 

To announce you. 

[Exits into Mary's room, up R., reached by 
two steps. Melvil takes package of docu- 
ments from pocket, examines them. Enter, 
Rizzio, very white, nervous, constrained. 
He is small, exquisite, but extremely plain, 
almost ugly. Melvil rises, putting out his 
hand, cordially. 



EPISODE II] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



33 



MELVIL 



RIZZIO 



MELVIL 



RIZZIO 



Slgnor Rizzio! 

Ah, Signore! 
Her Majesty will be enchanted. Ah, 
Despatches for the Queen ? 

[Giving letters to Rizzio] 

Which I deliver 
Direct to you, her foreign Secretary. 
You seem disturbed, Sir. You're not ill, I trust? 
Not in the body, Signor', but 'tis here — 

[^Touches te?nples~\ 
Strange things have happened since you left for Eng- 
land. 
I was, then, in the King's close confidence. 
You know, Signore, it was I who urged 
Her Majesty to choose Lord Darnley, who, 
Though young, seemed finely minded. — For some 

reason 
The King has turned against me. 

That were wrong. 
You did, indeed, induce the Queen to raise 
Him to his present dignity, as Consort — 
I meant to act well — I meant well, Signore — 
Yes, as God hears me, I meant but to serve him — 
Yet, more to serve her Majesty, to whom 
I owe my all. But now, Sir, now he's King — 
Will you not sit. Sir? You are pale. What is 
It troubles you, Signore? 

I am weak, 
And terrified — I own it! I have been 
Within the day with one who prophesies 
My death, Sir, by foul means, and I have been, 
Of late, oft threatened — 



34 

MELVIL 

RIZZIO 
MELVIL 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



SETON 



DARNLEY 

SETON 

DARNLEY 

SETON 

DARNLEY 

SETON 



Every man is so 
Whom Royalty confides in. 

But, Sir Melvil— 
Trust me, the Scots are very quick to threaten. 
Yet slow, in general, to act. 

[Enter Seton. Melvil si^ns to Rizzio to re- 
strain himself before her. 

The Queen 
Desires you, Sir, to enter. You, Signore, 
Would best attend her Majesty. There is 
Some correspondence to be done, w^ith Spain — 

[Rizzio exitSj after Melvil, into Queen's 
room. As Queen's door closes, enter 
Darnley. Younger, by five years, than 
Mary. He is flushed, clearly under the in- 
fluence of drink. 
Well, Mistress, is the Queen disposed to see 
The King this even ? 

The Queen, your Grace, just now^, 
Holds audience. 

With her Secretary, Rizzio? 
Her Secretary's with her Majesty. 
I knew it! 

[Darts from room, exits, down R. 
In his cups again ! Poor Madame! 
What trials for one brought up as she was ! What 
A rage he is in, this time! I'll go in — 
He shall not vent it on poor Mary Seton ! 

[Exits into Queen's room. As she opens door, 
sound of lute heard, and a soft tenor voice 
singing. Ere door is fully closed, enter, 
precipitately, Darnley, followed by Red 
Douglas, Ruthven, and another. 



EPISODE II] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



35 



DARNLEY 



DOUGLAS 
DARNLEY 

DOUGLAS 



DARNLEY 



RUTHVEN 
DARNLEY 

DOUGLAS 



I say ft is ten thousand crimes I must 
Endure to see this primping foreign upstart 
Preferred to me! Upon the least occasion 
They chatter French, while he gabs rhymes to her, 
Or bawls Italian ditties! 

Let's to business! 
She claps him when he bleats, and even, herself, 
Twangs on the viol for him ! Listen ! 
It is well known our honest fiddlers and 
Our pipers furnish Madame with amusement 
Of quite another sort ! 

[Faint applause heard in Queen's room. 
You hear, my Lords ? 
They are laughing ! She is making merry with them, 
Believing I, her husband, feast elsewhere ! 
Her Majesty has time for favourites, 
Yet, for two days, her valet, Paris — or 
That damned Sebastien — or her Mistress Seton 
Have barred my way whenever I have sought 
A word with my own lawful wife! And yet, 
My Lords, 'tis not her doing, I would swear it; 
She's counselled to it by the Secretary. 
He Interferes, my Lords, with everything 
In Scotland ; keeps the Queen from crowning me 
As I should be crowned — as Francois, her spouse 
Before me, was crowned! I am Stuart, too! 
And after Mary, rightful heir to England. 
True! true! 

But helpless, while this foreign fellow, 
Her Secretary — of the Muses, lives ! 
His Grace the King is right. This Rizzio has 
By far too great an influence upon 
Her Majesty. 



36 

DARNLEY 
DOUGLAS 



DARNLEY 
DOUGLAS 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



DARNLEY 



DOUGLAS 

RUTHVEN 
DOUGLAS 

DARNLEY 



Well, then? — What, then, my Lords? 
You've given me your w^ord. Will you remove 

him? 
My Lords, I'm with the young King — but on one 
Condition. Ruthven — Carew — -we have all 
Agreed upon it. 

Name it, then ; but hasten ! 
That you, being rid of Rizzio, my Lord, 
Whose influence with the Queen is perilous. 
Once power is in your hands to issue edicts, 
Will pardon Murray, my half-brother and 
The Queen^s, and all his followers with him ; all 
Who have been banished by the Queen, and pine 
In England. 

Murray plots there with Elizabeth, 
Even as he did in Scotland, 'gainst the Queen. 
He's too ambitious; and Elizabeth 
Sees in me, too, no less than in your Queen, 
A rival! Oh, well, what you like! I promise — 

[Takes out a paper, spreads it on tabled 
Good! 

Very good! 

We'll take your signature. 
Your Grace, to that agreement. 

[Hesitates, then signs recklessly^ 

There! 'tis signed. 
Now, gentlemen, preliminaries being 
Arranged, we meet tomorrow to conclude 
Our plans. We will appoint each one his part. 
You've chosen your weapon, Douglas? Ruthven? 
Carew ? 

[As he is named, each one draws his weapon. 



EPISODE II ] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



37 



MARY 

DARNLEY 
MARY 



DOITGLAS 



RUTHVEN 
DARNLEY 



DOUGLAS 



DARNLEY 



RUTHVEN 



SETON 



As they do so, the door opens suddenly, and 
Mary enters, stops on threshold. 
So, Darnley — you, my Lords, presume to hold 
A secret council in my cabinet? 
I will explain — 

'Tis useless, Sir. I am 
Informed of what you plot to do, my Lords, 
But I will seek and find the remedy! 

\^She re-enters her room. The door closes, audi- 
bly. Momentary silence. 
Your Grace, if what we plot is known to Madame, 
Our game is one of life and death. 'Tis not 
The cleverest will win here, but the quickest ! 
What we've to do must be accomplished now ; 
If not, we die tomorrow! All of us! 
I'm ready, Douglas. 

And I'm ready! 
[Rushes to Queen's door, tries iti 

Locked ! 
And Rizzio is with her ! By my soul — 
'Twere better so. Let's wait without, and get 
Him later as he leaves the Palace. Deeds 
Such as we do are not for women's eyes. 
By God! I'll strike her Majesty, through him! 
I'll have it done, and well done, in her presence! 
Your Grace, we will accomplish all you'd have us ! 
But let us out, first, find the men who are 
Engaged to help us. 

[They exit, through curtained door, down R. 
Seton, a moment later, opens Queen's 
door, peeps out. 

Madame! They are gone! 
[Enter, on Melvil's arm, Mary. Behind her 



38 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



MARY 



MELVIL 

MARY 
MELVIL 



MARY 
MELVIL 



MARY 



Rizzio with the French Ambassador, 
deep in conversation; also, Camden, a silent 
member of the party. They come down 
towards table. 
Go, bid Sebastien bring the supper in. 

[Seton exits down stairs. Thereafter, as con- 
versation proceeds, Sebastien enters with 
jugs, goblets, etc., and proceeds to set the 
supper on the tabled 
Be seated, gentlemen. Go on. Sir Melvil ; 
You were about to tell the latest jest 
In London. 

Madame, gentlemen ! The jest 
Concerns a lady — 

Naturally ! Go on ! 
This lady, as a proof of her regard, 
Bestowed on Oxford University 
A pair of shoes that once encased her feet-^ 

[Rizzio and French Ambassador exchange 
glances. 

Seton returns, sits at table, amused, lis- 
tens. 
How generous! 

The very word, Madame, 
To fit the case. If rumour's true, they'd fit 
A man — well, say — about my size! 

[All laugh except Rizzio. 
'Twere well 
The lady's gauge in everything were measured 
By those same feet! Her head's depository, 
I'm told, of learning most unusual. — Melvil, 
While we are waiting, please the company 
By telling them, as you have told to me, 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



39 



RIZZIO 
MARY 



The items of your earlier mission to 
Elizabeth. 

[To French Ambassador] 
'Tis most amusing! Mind you tell it to 
My uncle Guise when you return to France ! 
'Twas after I had routed the old Earl 
Of Huntly. As you know, Monsieur, the Earl, 
Like others *mong these most contentious Lords 
Of Scotland, wished to prove himself above 
His Queen in power. So I, in turn, played soldier! 
Tell that, as well. Monsieur, to my dear uncle. 
'Twill entertain him, vastly, I am sure ! 
I passed whole days encased in mail and lived 
In saddle, sleeping in my tent! 'Twas glorious! 
A shield here, on my arm, a broadsword here, 
I, Mary Stuart, put milord to flight. 
And caught the Scottish fancy, for a time! 
They called me their own Mary, seemed to love me ! 
And carried me in state to Edinburgh! 
Then, knowing not what 'twas they asked of me, 
They sent me long petitions, begging me 
To wed again, at once. 

[She is pensive for a moment; then resumes 
rather drolly] 

There was one Prince — 
From Austria — but, poor Rizzio, here — 

Madame — 
As blind as were my people — swore that should 
I marry any foreign Prince, my claims 
Upon the crown of England would be perilled. 
That claim, as you all know, I'll never yield! 
I was anointed to it in the Church. 
And yet I mean not soon to press the matter, 



40 



RIZZIO 



MARY 



MELVIL 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 

For I love not so much to wear a crown. 
This one, of thistles, not yet come to down, 
Already presses far too sharply on 
My brow. But, as good Rizzio urged it — 



[period I 



Madame, I 



Am in despair, if j^ou will pardon me 
For saying so before the gentlemen. 
For any part I may have had in bringing 
About a union that now promises — 
Nay, Rizzio, I am in no blaming mood. 
Still, 'twas in deference to you, who are 
So skilled and practised in diplomacy— 

\jHe protestsli 
Well, then, in music, and in poetry — 
I sent Sir Melvil, first, to England, to 
The Queen, who, as a learned virgin, might 
So well instruct me how to choose a Consort — 
Do you go on, now, Melvil, with the tale — 
I fear, your Majesty, the story's long. 
However, to be brief as brief may be, 
The royal lady whom I visited. 
And whom our Queen outwitted in the voyage 
From France; whose earlier royal spite has been 
Allayed by Madame's gentle correspondence; 
The royal lady whom I visited. 
Was very gracious, if surprisingly 
Uncertain in her counsels. Er — for instance ; 
At first she urged Lord Leicester as a party 
Upon whose union with our Majesty 
Of Scotland she would look approvingly — 
But here, 'twas first she would, and then 

wouldn't — 
I need not name the reason — ^you all know it! 



she 



EPISODE II] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



41 



MARY 



MELVIL 



Well, getting to the pleasant topic of 

Our Queen — " Now, tell me," said Elizabeth, 

** Is she as beautiful as people say? " 

I said: ''She is considered beautiful!" 

But, as I lacked a standard by which I 

Could make comparison, the lady said: 

*' Come, now! Be frank! I'll give you one: Is she 

As beautiful as I am ? " 

[Prolonged laughter. Only Rizzio does not 
join in it\ 
Then, without 
A smile I answered — as a wise man should: 
"Your Majesty's the loveliest woman in England! 
Our Queen is loveliest in Scotland." 

Ah, 
Melvil's not wanting in diplomacy! 
*' But which of us is taller? " asked the Queen, 
Less satisfied, my friends, than you, with my 
Reply: " My mistress, Madame! " ''Then she is 
Too tall; for I am tall as any woman 
Should be! " " What are her recreations. Sir? " 
" She hunts, your Majesty, and rides, and plaj^s 
The lute and harpsichord." " Does she play well? " 
" Why, yes, your Majesty ; she plays quite well — 
Even very well, I may say, for a Queen ! " 

[He ceases to imitate, and speaks, confiden- 
tially, as all at table move to take up the 
goblets which Sebastien has been filling. 

Enter, silently, through the curtained 
doorway, Darnley, who takes his place be- 
hind Mary's chair. Only Rizzio per- 
ceives him, and he sits, transfixed, staring 



42 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



MARY 



RUTHVEN 
MARY 

DARNLEY 
MARY 

RIZZIO 

DARNLEY 



MELVIL 

MARY 

RIZZIO 



at Darnley, whose eyes are fixed upon 
him] 
And, gentlemen, my word of honour on't — 

[Catches Rizzio's look of horror, turns, per- 
ceives Darnley, and stops short. 
What is it, Melvil? 

[She follows his glance, looks at Darnley] 
Sir, what do you here? 
[Enter, in rough armour, and ghastly white, 
RuTHVEN. Behind him DouGLAS, and, 
following him, Carew. They remain in 
the background, but in the torchlight their 
armour gleams^ 
Why are you armed, my Lords, here, in the Palace ? 
Nay, Madame, 'tis his business. Ask the King ! 
My Lord, what is the meaning of your strange 
Forgetfulness of the proprieties? 
It means that man must leave this place, at once ! 
That gentleman, my Lord, is in my service! 
Therefore, he takes no orders, but from me! 

[Edges toward her, his teeth chattering^ 
My Lord— Madame — 

Ho, Douglas! Ruthven! Carew! 
[Enter, mercenaries, who, led by Douglas and 
RuTHVEN, rush for Rizzio, about whom 
the Queen's party crowd to save him. 
Chairs, table are overturned in the fracas. 
Rizzio, at last, falls to knees, clinging to 
Mary's skirt and crying out. 
Good God! 

How dare you, brutes? 

Giustizia ! 



EPISODE II] 
SETON 

MARY 

DARNLEY 

MARY 

DARNLEY 

RIZZIO 

MARY 

SETON 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 

[Trying, with Mary, to protect him] 



MELVIL 



MARY 
SETON 
DARNLEY 
RUTHVEN 

DARNLEY 



RUTHVEN 
MARY 

RUTHVEN 



43 



God! 



Away, I say! My Lords! Help! Help! 

Proceed ! 
Forbear, my Lords! How dare you? 

At him ! At him ! 
Giustizia! 

Mercy! Help! Help! 

Mercy ! Mercy ! 

[Carew^ suddenly, springs to Mary herself, 

and holds his knife to her breast, while the 

others fall like a pack of hounds upon 

Rizzio, stabbing at him. 

Good God ! Her Majesty — 

[Darnley seizes Mary about waist, pulls her 
away. 

Help! Help! 

Help! Help! 
Come! Is he not dead yet? 

[^Staggers to his feet, waving his knife] 

He's dead, your Grace! 
[^Releases Mary] 
Then pitch him in the courtyard! 

[The assassins seize Rizzio's body, drag it to- 
wards curtained doors. Ruthven, to Se- 
BASTIEN, pale with terror. 

Bring me wine! 
[^To him] 
How dare you, in the presence of your Queen ! 
Nay, I have earned a drink ! It is not insolence ! 
Fm tired! This exercise is most unusual; 
Still, it was needful, for I serve the King! 

[Enter, George Douglas, drawn sword in 



44 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



GEORGE 



DARNLEY 



MARY 



hand. Behind him terrified nobles. They 
stop in the curtained doorway. 
Your Majesty — your Grace — 

[Catches sight of Rizzio's hodyj at his feet'\ 

Good God! What's here? 
Be good enough to leave us. Nothing has 
Been done here but by Royal orders. Go! 

[The Lords J in trouble, sheathe their swords, 
and exit. 
[At door to her room; to Darnley] 
My Lord, you have slain more than David Rizzio. 
More than his death your bestial cruelty 
Has slain my heart ; set in its place . 
A thing of stone. But him I hold here, if 
You have not killed him w^ith the self-same stroke, 
Shall take revenge for these unnatural insults! 

[Enters her room, Seton following. 



curtain 



EPISODE THREE 

Scene: — A prison room in Lochleven. A barred 
window overlooks the loch. L., a bedroom. Up 
R., a diagonal doorway that leads to anteroom. 
The huge doors are open. The furnishings of the 
room consist of two stools, one with a broken leg; 
one old armchair, a table and a cracked mirror on 
the wall. 

The time is late afternoon deepening into night. 
Discovered: — Mary, seated before the barred win- 
dow. The last rays of the declining sun light up 
her face. She holds a bit of embroidery, but 
stitches fitfully. 
At rise: — She takes a stitch or two; drops work, leans 
forward, looking out of the window. Enter, from 
bedroom, Mary Seton. 
SETON You called me, Madame? Is your thread run out? 

MARY No, Seton. — If I called, it was unwitting. 

[^Picks up work again, but does not stitch. 
Looks out of window^ 
Fm thinking of the trivial circumstances 
That may suffice to rouse a prisoner's 
Attention. 
SETON What is new, Madame? 

MARY That light — 

See how it twinkles 'mong those trees across 
The loch! 
SETON But, Madame, we have seen that, oft, 

Before. 

45 



46 MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS [period i 

MARY True! — True! For many nights. Yet now 

The flickering motion of it, 'gainst the still 
Black leaves, has something in't that comforts. Seton, 
How long have we been prisoned in Lochleven ? 

SETON Some twenty months, Madame. 

MARY Some twenty months! 

Was ever one short life so full of strange 
Vicissitudes! Poor Rizzio! 

SETON God has punished 

His murderer, Madame! 

MARY True, and punished me. 

Who have, since Darnley's death, been tossed about 
Like a frail ship without a rudder, on 
The wild sea of my own tempestuous nature ! 
The Cardinal, my uncle, warned me 'gainst it. 
'Twas doubly necessary, could he but 
Have known the harsh, unruly contests here 
For power; the animosities, the envies, 
The plottings and contentions everywhere! 
Oh, when I think of France and see about me 
Stone walls — black waters — no news from without 
Save what my gaoler, Douglas, is disposed 
To impart to me — 

SETON Dear Madame, do not weep; 

Come! dry your eyes. Someone is coming! There — 

[Enter, a Steward, with a hamper, which he 
sets down, up L, At a sign from Douglas, 
who follows him in, he exits, , 

MARY [Without raising her eyes. To Seton] 

Let him not spread the table. I want nothing. 
I'll spare my Lord the performance of his duty 
As Royal taster! 



EPISODE III] 
DOUGLAS 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



47 



MARY 
DOUGLAS 



MARY 



DOUGLAS 
MARY 



DOUGLAS 
MARY 



DOUGLAS 



[To Seton; then to Mary] 

'Tis not supper, Mistress. 
This is your washing, Madame. As to tasting, 
I have small relish for such service, which 
I do but render as a courtesy 
To give assurance to a doubting guest. 
A guest? You guard your guests with iron bars 
In Scotland? Keep them under lock and key? 
*Tis useless to discuss those things, Madame. 
Enough to say, I have a letter here 
Addressed to you. 

[Hands letter to Seton, from whom Mary 
takes it, eagerly, 

A letter — ^here — to me ? 
From Murray. You are well informed, no doubt, 
Concerning its purport? 

I am. 

I thought so ; 
For Murray, who's half-brother to us both — 
Of different mothers, — mine, alas, is dead, — 
But yours, and his — He would, of course, inform 
His mother of the honours he has assumed. 
He would, Madame ; and he has written us. 
And so my brother, Murray, upon whom 
I've showered kindnesses, though well informed 
Of his astute intriguing with the Court 
Of England and with rebel lords of Scotland, 
Requites me by assuming my own sceptre ! 
Our brother, Madame, is made Regent — yes! 
He will repair the wrongs which favourites, 
Both foreigners and Scottish, have inflicted 
Upon the people. 



48 

MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



DOUGLAS 
MARY 



SETON 



MARY 



SETON 

MARY 

SETON 
MARY 
SETON 



Will he also right 
The wrongs your people have done Mary Stuart? 
For some they have done — cruel, cruel wrongs. 
As for the favourites — are favourites 
Such novelties in Scotland? James, my father, 
Had favourites, men, and women, of which Murray, 
My brother Murray, and your brother, now the Re- 
gent, 
Is living testimony. 

Madame — 

Spare me ! 
'Tis useless to discuss these things. Lord Douglas. 

[Picks up embroidery. Douglas stamps to- 
wards door, turns there to speak; thinks 
better of it, exits. 
Dear Madame ! Can it be Lord Murray is 
Made Regent? 

It appears he has assumed 
The office. 'Tis not legal till I say so! 
Ah, Seton, I remember when we sailed 
From Calais, how I wept at sight of those 
Poor wretches who were tossed upon the waves. 
Say — who was right, then, you or I, who saw 
In it an evil sign? 'Twas prophecy! 
Dear Madame, try to think of other things ! 
This melancholy is increasing! Courage! 
Ah, courage is no easy thing, my dear. 
For one struck right and left by such misfortunes! 
Dear Madame — 

Listen, Seton — what is that? 
[Rises, looks out of window, pressing her face 
against the bars^ 
Some entertainment is on hand. The Court 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



49 



And landings are quite crowded. Some are armed! 
Armed men come not to festivals! Good God! 
My enemies! Lord Lindsay's there, who brought 
Us here! But there is Melvil, too. 

Well, then. 
Take courage, Madame. If Sir Melvil's with 

them — 
He is a man of peace, but Ruthven, Lindsay — 

lA muffled knocking is heard on outer dQor'\ 
What violent knocking ! See who 'tis ! 

[Hurries into anteroom. Seen in depths, 
against door, listening; then she hurriedly 
returns. 

Your Majesty! 
Oh, summon all your fortitude. 

Who is it? 
Lords Lindsay, Ruthven, Meivil. They are come 
In Murray's name. Oh God, my Lady ! I 
Am sure some other mischief's brewing! I'll 
Not open to them. Oh, my Lady — 

[Knocking becomes louder. Seton would sup- 
port Mary. 

No, 
It is nothing ; I shall be myself again. 
That fatal name of R.uthven! Oh, the butcher! 
Yes! Something dreadful brings them, surely. Still, 
As they are come from Murray, my half-brother. 
Engage to stop them for a moment, that 
I may appear to have my wits about me. 

[Almost totters into bedroom. Lindsay's voice 
is heard from behind outer door. 
Come, open! We're ambassadors! 



50 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



SETON 



LINDSAY S VOICE 
MELVIL 



LINDSAY 

SETON 

LINDSAY 
SETON 

MARY 



Well, Sirs, 
And are ambassadors exempt from manners ? 
Wait, Sirs, upon your Sovereign's pleasure, as 
Good honest Scotsmen should do! 

[The outer door is shaken violently. Seton 
hurriedly closes the biff door, and looks about 
distractedly for the bar for it, listening, the 
while, to the voices on the other side of the 
door, now clearer and louder. 

By St. Andrew! 
ril smash it open if you force me to it! 

[In anteroom. As she cannot find bar for 
it, Seton thrusts her arm through 
the staples of big door^ 
My Lord, let's wait a moment for Lord Ruthven ! 

[Pounding on big doors^ 
I will not wait a second. Villain! Did 
You not declare the bar had been removed? 
It has been so, my Lord ; but with my arm 
Thrust through the staples I will hold it! 
I'll break it. Mistress, as I would a willow! 

[Mary enters, stops, in opening of bedroom^ 
Yet, till you do, my Lord, I stand — 

Come, Mary — 
Obey me. Open! 

[Seton withdraws her arm. The doors burst 
open. Enter Lindsay, in a rusty suit of 
armour. He has a huge sword strapped 
across his back, the hilt at left shoulder, the 
point clanking on floor. He is gauntleted, 
mailed; brutal in every respect. Behind 
him, Melvil, in black velvet doublet and 
cap, small sword, as indication of rank, only. 



EPISODE III] 
LINDSAY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



51 



MELVIL 



LINDSAY 



MARY 



LINDSAY 



[Stamping in; to Seton] 

Well! Where is she, eh? 
Has she not kept us long enough without 
That we must wait within ? Or, does she think 
She still holds Court here ? 

Good, my Lord, let's wait 
For Ruthven, since there's nothing can be done 
Without him. 

He may wait who chooses. I 
Will not bide on her pleasure. I will find her, 
Wherever she is hiding. 

Good my Lord 
Of Lindsay — 

[Lindsay involuntarily inclines; but at once 
straightens up^ 
We've detained you ; but a woman 
Does not, right willingly, receive even enemies, 
Without a thought given to her toilette. It 
Is true men are less giv'n to ceremony — 
Good morrow, Melvil. Welcome to our prison, 
E'en as we ever welcomed you and yours 
To palaces. 

[To Lindsay] 
Your weapon's weighty. You, 
Mayhap, are on your guard against some enemy? 
If not, 'tis strange adornment to put on 
In visiting a woman. But, no matter; 
I am a Stuart; too much of a Stuart 
To fear a sword, though it be naked. 

[Lindsay swirls his weapon roundj tries its 
point on ground as he speaks. 

This one 
Is in its place, here, Madame. 'Tis an old 



52 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



MARY 



LINDSAY 



MARY 



Acquaintance of your family. Your father, 

King James, the fifth, was threatened with it, once, 

At Buccleugh! What is more, some time ago. 

At Carberry Hill, the infamous traitor, Bothwell, 

Who dared an honest man to hold him guilty 

Of Darnley's murder, had a glimpse of it. 

And had his cowardice been one whit less 

I would have done such work with this good steel, 

That hounds and carrion crows should have found 

morsels 
Along the road, already cut for them! 

[Melvil and Seton eye each other, horrified. 
My Lord, it is not hard to strike an enemy 
Who is unarmed, who stands quite at your mercy. 
Were Mary Stuart heir to James's sword. 
As she is to his sceptre, your blade, Lindsay, 
Long as it is, might still prove far too short. 
But you have not come here for idle boasting. 
We pray your pardon if we bring you back 
To something of more int'rest. 

[Enter Lord Ruthven, behind him a Steward 
with parchments. 

Since my Lord 
Of Ruthven favours us, we can proceed 
Upon our mission. 

[Ruthven is in buff coat; undress Court dress. 
The Steward places papers on table, spreads 
them out, moves the one chair into position 
for Ruthven, and turns to adjust the 
torches in wall sockets. As he turns, Mary 
sweeps royally to the chair and sits. 
Pray proceed, my Lords. 
I wait the purpose of your mission. Is't 



EPISODE III] 



RUTHVEN 



MARY 



UTHVEN 
fVIARY 
RUTHVEN 

MARY 

I 

! 

lUTHVEN 
^ARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 53 

Of such a nature that two warriors, so 

Renowned as you, Lord Lindsay, you, Lord Ruthven, 

Still hesitate to pass it on to me? 

[Steward exits. 
However painful it may be, Madame, 
A Ruthven never hesitates before 
His duty. You, no doubt, by your duress, 
Are now prepared to hear what we have come 
To say, as spokesmen for the Secret Council. 
A body I established ? By what right, 
Sirs, does the Secret Council dare to act 
Without me ? But, no matter. I presume 
'Tis some petition which implores my mercy 
For those who've dared usurp the power which I 
Hold, God-appointed? 

Quite the opposite. 
To oifer you a pardon from the Council. 
Nay, really! That's so novel an idea 
It downs my anger ! — But, my Lord, go on ! 
The pardon's offered on conditions which 
Are set forth in these deeds. 

Am I to read them? 
Or is it I'm to sign them with closed eyes, 
Confiding in the motives of my Lords? 
The Secret Council wishes you to have 
Full cognizance of their contents; and that 
You sign them of your own free will, Madame. 
Pray read them, then — I think it is your duty ; 
Not all this pother of " the early age " 
At which began my reign in Scotland— nor 
These paragraphs that talk of my fatigue 
Arising from the task of governing — 
But here; begin, my Lord. 



54 

RUTHVEN 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



MARY 



LINDSAY 

MELVIL 
MARY 



RUTHVEN 



[Readingl^ 
" By these, our letters, made in free good will, 
I here renounce, demit the Crown of Scotland, 
In favour of my infant son ; entrusting 
Lord Lindsay and Lord Ruthven, in my name, 
To represent me; to renounce for me, 
Before the clergy, burgesses, and people, 
Assembled, all, at Stirling, guidance, crown, 
And government of Scotland," dated, signed, 
Et cetera. Well, Madame, you have heard it ! 
I heard, yet to my ears, which for some time 
Have been obliged to listen to strange things, 
It seemed as 'twere some rebels falsifying 
The honour of Lord Lindsay, and Lord Ruthven. 
Our " honour " ! from a woman who has been 
So careless in the guarding of her own ? 
My Lord — 

Be silent, Melvil. Though I have 
No sword, I have a buckler in my conscience, 
Strong as the coat-of-mail which so discreetly 
Protects my Lord of Lindsay. 

[To Ruthven] 

So, my Lord, 
All that my loving subjects want of me 
Is date, and signature, by which 
I fling my sceptre down and take to turning 
A distaff? 'Tis a gen'rous offer, truly. 
But you've another paper. Something more 
You'd have me sign ? 

A deed, whereby your Grace 
Confirms the action of the Secret Council, 
Who have appointed your beloved brother, 
The Earl of Murray, Regent of the Kingdom 



EPISODE III] 
MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



55 



RUTHVEN 



MARY 
RUTHVEN 



MARY 



RUTHVEN 



MARY 



Oh! This is touching! Really touching, Sirs! 
My brother, upon whom I have conferred 
His every title, raising him from Prior 
To be a man of power in Scotland, now 
Would have me add another title to 
Those I've already given him ! — My Lords, 
Go back to those who sent you. Say that to 
Demands of this sort Mary Stuart makes 
No answer. She has none to make ! 

Beware! 
Your pardon will be granted solely on 
Condition that you sign. 

If I refuse? 
Your Grace knows well the laws. Adultery 
And murder are high crimes, for which, already, 
Here, and in England, more than one Queen has 
Paid penalty, by death. 

Upon what proof 
Am I accused of crimes like these? I, who 
Have all at stake, may surely know? 

The proof 
Cannot be questioned. It lies in the marriage 
Between Lord Darnley's widow and his murd'rer. 

[PFith emotion] 
If he was murdered — I know nothing; save 
That God himself avenged the brutal crime 
Which Darnley instigated, watching while 
'Twas done! I did, indeed, rejoice, when venge- 
ance 
O'ertook him ; as did many here in Scotland, 
Resentful that an English Lord should share 
My throne, which they themselves so longed to do. 
They clamored, all, to have a Scottish King! 



56 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



RUTHVEN 



MARY 



RUTHVEN 
MARY 



LINDSAY 



MELVIL 



LINDSAY 



Well, Sirs, who was it hurried me to put 

Aside my mourning, and to marry Bothwell? 

I hold the papers which you signed, my Lord 

Of Ruthven, you, too, Lindsay; only Melvil 

Entreated me against it. All the rest, 

For your own reasons, said to be of State, 

Devised that marriage as a trap for me, 

A young and ignorant woman, hedged about by false, 

Perfidious advisers. 

Madame, this 
But begs the present question, which is, whether 
Your life and honour being conceded you, 
You will consent to abdicate the throne 
Of Scotland? 

Were I willing, where 's the pledge 
The promise you make in these papers would 
Be keptf 

Our word of honour, Madame. 

Ah, 
A feeble guaranty from Lords, who can 
So soon forget the deeds you signed so short 
A time ago. I'd need a trifle more 
To assure me. 

Ruthven, for an hour this woman 
Has answered to our propositions with 
Bold insults ! 

Wait, my Lords, in Heaven's name! 
Make some allowance for one who is accustomed 
These years to give command ; yet who, today. 
Has no choice left but to obey us. 

Then, 
In God's name, Melvil, use your honied words 
And get the answer which our plain demand 



EPISODE III] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



57 



MELVIL 



MARY 



MELVIL 



MARY 



MELVit 



Fails to draw from her. Ruthven, come! We'll give 
You fifteen minutes, Melvil. 

[He goes out, sword clanking behind him-, 
Ruthven follows. 

[Dropping on one knee^ 

Madame, you 
Awhile ago deplored you had not followed 
My earlier advice. That which I now 
Would offer is of greater import, far. 
Than that was. Madame, your regret will be 
Still bitterer, if now you fail to heed me. 
You know not what may happen, cannot dream 
Of what Lord Murray may be capable. 
This night has given me proof, sufficient strong, 
Of his great powers. What more, now, can he do 
Than he has done ? Bring me to public trial ? 
I'll ask for nothing better. Let me free 
To plead my cause, and you will see if Judges 
Will dare condemn me ! 

'Tis for that good reason 
They'll carefully avoid a trial, Madame. 
Here, you are safer for them, guarded by 
Sworn enemies; no witness here, but God, 
Who, though He avenges crime, alas, does not 
Forewarn- the victim, be his fate the sword. 
Or — ^poison ! 

Melvil, I would welcome death 
As expiation for my many faults. 
I'm proud, at times, I know; yet humble, when 
I search my conscience. I am most unjustly 
Accused of that which has to do with Darnley, 
Yet justly censured for my act with Bothwell. 
Madame, a moment only's left to us ! 



58 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



SETON 
LINDSAY 

RUTHVEN 
MARY 



RUTHVEN 



MARY 



Come! Make the best that may be, in your plight. 

You are alone, immured in enemy castle. 

With but one woman, Mistress Seton, by you. 

My Liege, an abdication that's compelled 

In circumstances like to these about you, 

Your subjects will refuse to credit. 

They will be sure it was extorted from you ; 

And, Madame, when the time's propitious to 

Enforce your protest, you will have at least 

Two witnesses on whom you may rely— 

You, Mistress Mary Seton, will be one — ■ 

The other — ^here — your Melvil — 

Oh, Sir Melvil- 
\_Clanks in, with Ruthven following^ 
Well, Madame, are you ready? 

Pray, remember, 
Your answer must be plain, and definite. 
No mental reservations, Madame! 

Nay, 
You are exacting. You'd not ask such right 
Were I at liberty, surrounded by 
A trusty escort. Being behind these bars — 
But you would have my signature. Sir Melvil, 
Please pass the pen to me. 

I hope, however, 
You've not in mind a later protest, based 
Upon the bars to which you now allude ? 

[Rising indignantly^ 
My Lords, you asked me for an abdication. 
I was about to sign it ; but, if you 
Add to the first demand, that written here — 
That I renounce my rights of my own motion. 



EPISODE III] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



59 



LINDSAY 



MARY 



RUTHVEN 



LINDSAY 



RUTHVEN 



LINDSAY 



As if I deemed myself unfit to reign, 
I will not sign! No! never! 

[With his gauntleted hand, seizes her by the wrist~\ 

Now, I warn you, 
Our patience Is exhausted. Madame, sign! 
Else we may end in breaking that which will 
Not bend ! 

[Mary looks at him steadily, the others recoil- 
ing. Under her gaze Lindsay drops her 
hand. She turns back her sleeve; shows a 
deep purple mark, of fingers. 
There is no further obstacle, 
My Lords Ambassadors. Here is the proof 
My will has not been forced. I freely sign. 

[Writes'\ 
" I hereby abdicate the throne of Scotland ! " — 

[Lays pen down; passes, with royal sweep, into 
bedroom. Seton following, in silence. 
[Gathers up his papers^ 
Your method, Lindsay, is not usual 
In matters diplomatic, yet I own 
It's most effective. 

Nay, were I convinced 
That she Is Innocent of all she's charged with, 
I promise you no man should harm a hair 
That's growing on her head. 

So? Blows the wind 
That way? I have heard said no man may look 
Upon her, and not love her; yet, who'd think 
Lord Lindsay so susceptible to tears 
And melting voice ! 

Enough, my Lord of Ruthven! 
We understand each other, do we not? 



6o 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



DOUGLAS 



RUTHVEN 
LINDSAY 



GEORGE 
MARY 

GEORGE 

MARY 

GEORGE 



LITTLE DOUGLAS 



[Enter DouGLAS, followed by George Doug- 
las. 
Till the Commissioners have supped, do you 
Keep guard here, George. 

[To Lords] 

My Lords, the supper is 
Set on the table. 

I'll do justice to it. 
[Follows Douglas and Ruthven ow/] 
And I will, Douglas, that I promise you ! 

[The door is heard to close on their exit. 

George Douglas, alone, stands mo- 
tionless for a moment; then crosses, seizes a 
torch from the wall, and waves it before 
window; replaces it in wall socket. Then, 
crosses again and knocks on bedroom door. 
Seton looks out, startled. 
No outcry. Mistress. I would see her Majesty 
Alone. 

[Emerges from room, her arm about Seton] 
I am alone with Mistress Seton. 
She is my other self, my sister. You ? 
I, Madame, am George Douglas — 

You, a Douglas? 
And you, a Douglas, kneel to me? 

Two Douglases — 
[Goes to anteroom, beckons. Enter Little 
Douglas, a slender lad of twelve, in page's 
dress^ 
Who come to serve you. Little Douglas, here, 
Is orphaned ; he has heart of gold, and head 
Of steel. 

And lays them both before you, Madame. 



EPISODE III] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



6i 



MARY 
GEORGE 



MARY 
GEORGE 



MARY 
GEORGE 



MARY 



GEORGE 



MARY 



I do not understand. 

Our time is short; 
I must speak rapidly. My Liege, I saw 
You, years ago, in France — 

In France? 
Since when my heart has held no other image — 
Nay, Madame, do not turn away. I crossed 
The Channel in the galley which brought you 
To Scotland ; served among the Royal Guards 
In your campaign 'gainst Huntly; — later, too. 
As guard, at Holyrood — 

Can this be true ? 
I saw you not — at any time. 

I'm used 
To pass through life unnoticed, Madame; but, 
I come to lay my love, my life, my all 
Here, at your feet — 

J^Raises htm] 
Unhappy man! And yet 
How sweet to hear there still remains one heart 
That loves me ! Bless you, Douglas ! 
\_lVipes eyes J looks up] 

Lord, to Thee 
I render thanks — 

Your Majesty can see 
That light across the loch? It is a signal 
Made by a waiting army. Read ! Read this — 

l^Gives her a paper. She scans it, amazed. 
" Thus we, the undersigned Lords, Barons, Earls — " 
What purports this? These pledge themselves to lead 
Me from Lochleven? But the means to leave it? 

[Douglas signs to Little Douglas, who 
tosses white linen articles from the hamper 



62 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



GEORGE 



MARY 



GEORGE 



MARY 



GEORGE 
MARY 



GEORGE 
MARY 



Up Scene and brings to light two suits of 

livery^ like his own. 
They're here, if you will don this livery, 
And follow Little Douglas through the throng 
Of servants who have crossed the loch this even 
To aid in 'tending the ambassadors. 
Oh God, Sir, is this true? You come not here 
To mock? A way has opened, then, to freedom? 
If you, by sheer audacity, will take it. 
Three thousand Scotsmen wait upon yon hill 
Who'll gladly die for you — 

No, no ! Not die ! 
Behind me lies, already, a trail of blood ; 
I would not add to it, even for a kingdom. 
Three thousand men are but a handful, 'gainst 
My enemies. To combat were mere slaughter! 
But, could they guard me to the seacoast, or, 
Safe to the English border — 

Madame — 

Well 
I know it is impossible for me. 
For Mary Stuart, to remain in Scotland ; 
But, might I reach, get aid from France, or Spain, 
Or England, which lies nearest, and on which 
I hold some claims for hospitality — 
On England? Madame, 'tis extraordinary — 
So are my sorrows, Douglas. England's Queen 
It may be is misled by envious Murray. 
She is reputed hard ; she may be so ; 
But, then, she is a Queen. She will not fail — 
For we have had a friendly correspondence — 
When I, her sister sovereign, ask her help! 
Besides, I have her promise that she will 



EPISODE III] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



63 



GEORGE 



MARY 



DOUGLAS 



LITTLE DOUGLAS 
GEORGE 



Receive me; give me sanctuary. Thence, 
I can communicate with France, return 
Within the year with reinforcements; bring 
An army to support these loyal Scotsmen! 

[Sounds of revelry J and piping from Court 
below. 
God grant your Majesty's confiding heart 
Be not mistaken thus to trust yourself 
To England. I entreat you, Madame, hasten ! 
I, to avert suspicion, must go now. 
You may confide yourself to Little Douglas, 
Who'll guide you safely to the landing 
Where you will find a boat, full manned, in waiting. 
This livery will fit your Majesty ; 
'Twas measured by good Mistress Mary Fleming! 
One of my own four Marys ! Bless you, Sir. 
That word's a passport to completest trust ! 

[Exits into hedroom, with Seton carrying 
liveries. 
Now, Laddie, 'tis your turn to show yourself 
A loyal servant to the loveliest Queen 
And most unfortunate lady in the world ! 
Here are the keys. Give me your counterfeits; 
Lock all the doors behind you as you pass; 
'Twill hinder them if there should be alarm. 
You know the signal ? First, the waving torch 
To tell the army that the Queen is coming — 
An owl's hoot at the window, and away ! 
Ah, Cousin, what you do tonight would make 
More than one older Scotsman envious ! 

[Sudden shaking of outer door^ 

God! 

[Hurriedly drops LITTLE DoUGLAS into the 



64 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I 



DOUGLAS 
GEORGE 



DOUGLAS 



LITTLE DOUGLAS 



SETON 



MARY 



LITTLE DOUGLAS 



hamper J piles the linen on him, closes it. 
Exits into anteroom, returns, preceded by 
Douglas] 
My Lord — 

You've been on guard here, constantly? 
Continually. The pris'ners have retired, 
As it would seem, taking some umbrage at 
My presence. 

They are insolent, as usual. 
Well, ril relieve you, in an hour. 

[^Accompanying him'\ 

Meanvi^hile, 
I'll interview the outer guards. 

[The closing of door upon them is heard. 
Little Douglas gets out of hamper, goes 
centre, seizes a torch from wall and waves 
it three times before the window. Hur- 
riedly replaces it, and knocks on the bed- 
room door. 

Re-enter, Mary, and Mary Seton, in 
page's dress. 

My Lady 
If you are ready — 

Little Douglas, I 
Shall ne'er be ready if it comes to courage. 
My knees are giving way, I do believe! 
And mine! But with my petticoats I've shed 
My natural alarms. V faith, I feel 
Already free — 

Nay, Madame, feel it not 
Too openly; that might betray us. Set 
This jug upon your shoulder; it will shade 



HPISODE III] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



65 



MARY 



Your features! Mistress, this on yours — So, now — 

[Runs to windoWj hoots there^ 
Come, come . . . 

[Exits. 
Remember, Seton, what was said 
By our deliverer! If it's done, 'twill be 
By sheer audacity — 

[Starts after Seton ; stops in terror, straightens 
up. Exits. 



CURTAIN 



SECOND PERIOD 



EPISODE FOUR 



MORTIMER 
PAWLET 

MORTIMER 
PAWLET 



Time: — Eighteen years later. 

Place : — Fotheringay. 

Scene: — A great bare chamber, black walls. These 
show dampness. Wide, massive doors up C. 
Up R., a cabinet. A chair, up L., on slightly 
raised dais. Sparse furnishings, otherwise, 
and gloomy air throughout. 

At rise: — Sir Amyas Pawlet, followed by Sir 
Drury, enter. DruRY carries a leathern 
sack. Behind them, SiR Edward Morti- 
mer, Pawlet, and Drury cross to cabinet, 
before which Pawlet sits; Mortimer 
feigns a careless air, but sharply examines 
the room. 

So, Uncle, this is where the Queen is kept? 

Nay, Sir, there is but one Queen here in England. 

The woman in my charge is Lady Stuart. 

True, Uncle. Tell me, what she's pris'ner for? 

For I admit that in my years abroad 

I have forgot, if ever I have known it. 

{^Trying to open cabinet drawers] 

The charge is complicated. In beginning. 

It had to do with my Lord Darnley's death. 

He was a cousin to our own good Queen, 

Whose duty 'twas to punish his foul murder; 

So when, on invitation of Queen Bess, 

My Lady Stuart rode into the kingdom, 

Elizabeth refused to see her, till 

69 



70 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



MORTIMER 



PAWLET 
MORTIMER 

PAWLET 



She cleared herself of murder, which was charged 

Against her by her own half-brother, then 

The Regent. So, the Lady Stuart was 

Detained, and brought to trial. But, so artful 

Was she, no jot was found against her. Still, 

It was thought best, until proof could be found 

That she was innocent, to keep her in 

Confinement. From which time she has done naught — > 

She, and misguided sympathizers — 

But plot escape ; sow discord ; plan the vilest 

Conspiracies! With Norfolk, who died for it, 

Westmoreland and Northumberland — and dozens 

You'll not remember, cozened by this papist. 

Though prisoner, she sets the land on fire! 

In Rheims, I met with Mistress Mary Seton, 

Who served for many years your prisoner 

And seldom spoke of her except with tears ; 

Especially, when talking of the escape 

Of Lady Stuart from Lochleven, and 

Young Douglas, and the Little Douglas, too, 

Both slaughtered by Lord Murray's forces, following. 

Fve seen the Lady's portrait, oft, in France. 

I would that you had seen the Lady there ! 

It is a pity. Sir, for one of your 

Ripe years to serve as goaler ! 

'Tis because 
I am ripe, I am here! I'm past the season 
When practised wiles can tempt a man to treason. 
[Finds papers, scoops them into sack. Drury 
holding it^ 
But here, I warrant you, there's plenty of it! 
Go, Drury, take away this sack, and bring 
Another. [Drury exits with sack. 



EPISODE IV] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



71 



MORTIMER 
PAWLET 

MORTIMER 



PAWLET 



MORTIMER 
PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



What a gruesome place it is here! 
Nay, Nephew, save your pity for a cause 
That's worthy. 

Pardon, Uncle. I am come 
But lately from the Continent, and there 
They speak of Lady Stuart as Queen, and 

Martyr! 
'Tis what they call her there, and threat to do 
In England, spreads alarm throughout the land. 
If Lady Stuart is to be made martyr. 
She'll owe it to the intrigues of the Guises. 
Now, Nephew — let me counsel you — 'twere better 
You keep your pity for your rightful Queen. 
I will! When may I see her? 

When I next 
Report to Westminster, you shall with me. 

[Drury re-enters, with empty sack. Behind 

him J Jane Kennedy, with cloth in hand, 
[Eyes Pawlet, ransacking the cabinet^ 
Oh, Sir — must you intrude so soon again? 
That cabinet holds all my lady's secrets ! 
It is your Lady's secrets we are after ! 
The Secretary, Master Curie, on oath. 
Has sworn your Lady Stuart is in league, 
Despite our watchfulness, with vile assassins, 
Who undertake to slay the Queen of England ! 
He would not dare accuse my Lady, were 
He here, confronting her ! 

No! he would turn 
And flatter her ; as all men do, who face her. 

[Mortimer, with pretended disdain, exits, 
Alas, Sir Amyas, though you are her gaoler, 
I know you for an honest gentleman. 



72 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



PAWLET 
KENNEDY 



PAWLET 
KENNEDY 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 
PAWLET 



Now, tell me — on your conscience — if there be 
Not in the laws of England one that holds 
That every plaintiff must confront the person 
Whom he accuses, in the open Court? 
Yes, Mistress, there is such a law ! 

Then why 
Has it been voided with my Lady Stuart? 
'Tis said one,. Babington, involved her in 
A plot to kill the Queen ; but where's the proof ? 
It was not verified. Now he is dead. 
And gone, while she is still suspected. Sir, 
I'd swear, as she has sworn, my Lady never 
Saw hair or hide of Babington. If she 
Is in the plot at all, it is as victim ! 

[Pawlet gives directions to Drury, who exits 

with second sack. Kennedy passes cloth 

over wallsl 
Sir Pawlet, there is damp upon these walls. 
My Lady's suffering from it, painfully. 
The more so, as it's got, now, to her bed. 
Could you not add a cover to it ? 
Her bed is her own making, Mistress. 

Still, 
It irks my heart to see a Lady born 
To silks and velvets brought to this dire want — 
Deprived of every comfort — airings — 

What 
She brewed, she drinks. But I will make report 
Of it at Westminster. What's there commanded, 
I'll carry out, and nothing more. 

Well, sir. 
Ha, Mistress, look at these! She's still conniving 
With foreign priests and plotters! 



EPISODE IV] 
KENNEDY 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 

PAWLET 
KENNEDY 

PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 73 

Oh, Sir Amy as, 
These Cardinals are kinsmen to my Lady. 
Whom might she look to, tell her sorrow to 
If not to them ? 'Tis human nature, surely ! 
What, Mistress ! Are you fallen victim to 
Her wiles? Will you be turning papist, next? 
Sir Pawlet, I am of the Established Church, 
And none can question me. But I have feelings. 
Then keep them for the service of your Queen. 
'Twere better for you, Mistress. Ha! addressed — 
Sealed — to the Queen, and this one to the Earl 
Of Leicester. 

Is it so? But, good Sir Pawlet, 
Where is the crime to write to him who serves 
The Queen of England as Lord Leicester does? 
My Lord was once a suitor to the Stuart. 
'Tis that, belike, which makes her turn to him 
As friend in her adversity. 

Perhaps ; 
My Lord can steer a middle course when need 
be! 

[Tosses letter asidel 
Nor has he ceased to dream of winning crowns 
Through one Queen, or the other. — Ah, a spring! 
What's this? Her jewelry, with precious stones — 
The fleur-de-lis of France? 

Oh, do not take 
Those, Sir! The scribbled verses, if you must; 
My Lady has no entertainment here 
Save writing out her heart, or 'broidering; 
These are her resource ; but the jewels — they 
Are from her infant's christening, kept all 



74 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



PAWLET 



MARY 
KENNEDY 

MARY 



PAWLET 
MARY 



PAWLET 



These years — her rings, once worn in France — I beg 

you 
To leave them where you found them, Sir! 

Oh, no — 
Such costly things as these may easily 
Be made to purchase men — and weapons — Ha! 
The Lady's coming, crucifix in hand, 
But in her heart, I'll warrant, pride, and lust! 

[Mary enters, carrying her Book of Hours j 
and crucifix. 
Sir Pawlet — here? 

Alas, my Lady, all 
Is taken this time^ — letters — jewelry — 
Well, Jane, I can support this, too. I'm used 
To changes since I came to England. But, 
Sir Amyas, you have ta'en by force what I 
Designed to have delivered to you. 'Mongst 
The papers is a letter to the Queen, 
Your Royal JVlistress. Pledge me, Sir, that you 
Will place it in her Majesty's own hand. 
I would not have it trusted to Lord Burleigh. 
I'll think about it. I will do what's best. 
Sir, you may know its import. I am seeking 
An audience with the Queen ; for, though I came 
To England on her promise to receive me — 
Now, eighteen years ago, today sees us 
Still unacquainted with each other. But 
Being sore beset — for, as you know, I have 
Been called before a court of gentlemen — 
I never can acknowledge them my peers — 
No ? You have often trusted fate and honour 
To men less worthy of esteem. 



EPISODE IV] 
MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



75 



PAWLET 



MARY 

PAWLET 

MARY 

PAWLET 

MARY 

PAWLET 

MARY 



PAWLET 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



Perhaps — 
But still, her Majesty is of my kindred. 
Wait, Sir. It is a month of dread suspense 
Since the Commissioners surprised me here 
And with unseemly haste forced me, though stunned 
And unprepared, with none to counsel me, 
To answer, from my memory, their charges. 
Sir, I am anxious ! Let me know the worst ! 
What have I still to hope, or fear? 
[After a moment] 

'Twere best 
To close your accounts with Heaven. 

Nay — from Heav'n 
I'm sure of mercy — ^but from earthly judges? 
Depend upon it, justice will be done you. 
My trial, then, is over? 

I am not 
At liberty to say. 

Am I condemned? 
I cannot tell you. 

Is the murd'rer, then, 
To come upon me suddenly, as did 
My Judges? 

Hold to that thought, Madame ; so 
He'll find you more prepared than they found you ! 

[Enter, Mortimer. He pushes rudely past 
Mary. 
My Lord is asking for you. Uncle. 

[Exits as he entered. 
[To Pawlet] 

Sir 
I venerate your years ; but young men's impudence — 



76 



MARY, 'QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period ii 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



I beg of you to spare me in the future, 
Your nephew's presence. 

'Tis his impudence 
Commends him, Madame. He'll not melt before 
A treacherous woman's wiles. I'll answer for him! 
You'll only waste your subtlety on him. 

[Exits. 
Dear Lady ! It is hard to listen to 
Such language! 

[Mortimer re-enters hurriedly. 
[To Kennedy] 
Mistress, guard the door. I have 
Important matters with the Queen. 
[Kennedy, loth to go, exits. 

Mary, astonished, gazes, half fearfully, 
at Mortimer. He hurries to her, places a 
letter in her hand'\ 

My Liege — 
Fear nothing ; only read this letter. 

From 
The Cardinal ! " Confide in him who brings 
This to you, Edward Mortimer. You have 
No truer, better friend in England." You, 
Sir? Can I really trust you whom I took 
For a harsh enemy? You, who are nephew 
To a hard gaoler — 

Madame, any moment 
Lord Burleigh may be here. He's with my uncle. 
I must content myself with saying now. 
That I have spent some years in study, with 
The Cardinal, at Rheims. I have been chosen, 
And friends concur with me, to rescue you. 
Ah, God! 



EPISODE IV] 
MORTIMER 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



77 



MARY 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



Have courage, Madame, and my Liege — 
ih, if the Britons might now but behold 
Their captive Queen, how England's youth would rise 
In general mutiny, and not a sword 
In all the Island sleep within its sheath 
Until your Majesty were free again! 
'Twere well with Mary Stuart, if every Briton 
Looked on her with your eyes. 

I have been schooled, 
And thoroughly, to know the fearful wrongs 
That have been done you ; ay, and this last one, 
Of which the dreadful news is just made known. 
Is it my sentence ? Has it been pronounced ? 
The verdict? 

Two-and-forty Judges have 
Declared you guilty of attempt upon 
The Tudor's life. 

[After a moment] 
Sir, I am not surprised. 
It is a subterfuge. I know their aim. 
They seek some ground on which to hold me, yes, 
As helpless prisoner, forever, here! 
Alas, your Majesty, they do not stop there! 
You are entangled in a terrible web; 
Only your death can make the crown sit steady 
Upon Elizabeth's head. That upstart Queen 
Means you shall perish on the scaffold ! 

Sir, 
It is the honest care of a true heart 
Which conjures up such empty apprehensions. 
I do not fear the scaffold. What I fear, 
Is that the Queen would set my claims at rest 
By other means, less open. I confess 



78 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



MORTIMER 



MARY 



MORTIMER 

MARY 

MORTIMER 

MARY 

MORTIMER 

MARY 



MORTIMER 
MARY 

KENNEDY 
MARY 



I never raise a goblet to my lips 

Without the inward fear the draught that's in it 

Is mingled by my Royal Sister's love. 

Dear Lady, fear no more. All is prepared. 

I have twelve English noblemen, all pledged 

To free you from captivity — 

Too few! 
All England guards the gates of Fotheringay. 
Only the Queen may open them. 

She will not! 
Or — there's one other. 

Who? Who is it? Tell me! 
Lord Leicester — 

Leicester, Madame? He's your foe? 
The f av'rite of Elizabeth ! 

[Smiles, ever so faintlyl 
He plays so. 
Ah, Sir, if I am saved at all, 'twill be 
Through him. Go, find him. Give him this — 
[Takes a letter y and miniature from her bosom, 
wraps them; gives them to Mortimer] 

Confide 
Your plans to him. He'll aid you. This contains 
My likeness, and a letter ! 

Oh, my Liege, 
Explain this mystery ! 

Confide in Leicester; 
He will confide in you — 

[Kennedy enters, hurrying. 
Be on your guard ! 
Lord Burleigh's coming, Madame! 
\To Mortimer] 

Go, Sir, go! 



JPISODE IV] 



BURLEIGH 
MARY 

BURLEIGH 
MARY 

BURLEIGH 

MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



79 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



[Mortimer exits, barely escaping before Bur- 
leigh and Pawlet enter. 
I come deputed from the Court of Justice. 
Lord Burleigh lends that Court a willing tongue 
Which was already guided by his spirit. 
You speak as if you knew the verdict, Madame! 
Lord Burleigh brings it ; hence I know it. But, 
Let's to the matter. Sir. 

You have acknowledged 
The jurisdiction of the two-and-forty — 
My Lord, excuse me, if at the beginning 
I am obliged to interrupt you. No ! 
I never have acknowledged it, my Lord! 
How could I do so ? Give away my own 
Prerogatives? the entrusted rights of my 
Own people ? the inheritance, as well, 
Of my own son, and every monarch's honour? 
It is enacted in the English laws 
That everyone who stands accused of crime 
Shall plead before a jury of his equals. 
Who, in this High Commission, is my equal? 
Kings are my only peers, my Lord of Burleigh ! 
That is a point of mere formality. 
It cannot change the course of justice. 
You breathe the air of England ; you enjoy 
The law's protection, and its benefits; 
Thus, you become its subject. 

No, I breathe 
The air of prison walls. Is that to live 
In England ? For your laws, have I giv'n pledge 
To keep them ? I'm no member of your realm ! 
I am an independent, foreign Queen, 
And owe no prince more than he owes to me! 



8o 

BURLEIGH 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II ; 



MARY 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



Well, Madame, do you think the name of Queen 

Can serve as charter to foment discord ? 

Where would the State's security be found 

If Justice could not smite the guilty brow 

Of stranger King as freely as a beggar's? 

I do not claim to be exempt from judgment; 

I only take exception to my Judges. 

But are they not the foremost of the kingdom? 

Too independent to be else than honest? 

Is not the Reverend Primate at their head ? 

The learned Talbot, keeper of the Seals? 

And Howard, Lord High Admiral of our Fleets? 

How could our matchless Sovereign do more 

Than out of all the monarchy select 

The noblest and appoint them Judges in 

Your suit? Why, Madame, were it probable 

That party hatred might corrupt one heart. 

Would forty chosen men unite in passing 

A sentence uttered like a word of passion? 

Yes, truly, were these lords as you describe them, 

I must be silent ; but these names, which you 

Are pleased to praise, I see performing, in 

The history of England, different parts. 

I see your noble, reverend House of Lords, 

Venal alike with the corrupted Commons, 

Make statutes, and annul them; ratify 

A marriage; then dissolve it, in obedience 

To Power's voice. Today it brands the King's 

Own daughters " Bastards " ; yet, tomorrow, turns. 

Crowns them as Queens, and sets them on the throne. 

I see them, in four reigns, with pliant conscience 

Four times abjure their faith ; renounce the Pope 

With Henry, yet retain the old belief; 

Reform again, with Edward ; hear the Mass 



;PISODE iv] 



lURLEIGH 



vIARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



8i 



3URLEIGH 

! 

MARY 
3URLEIGH 



[MARY 

BURLEIGH 

IMARY 



Once more with Mary; with Elizabeth, 
Who governs now, turn from the Mass again. 
You've said you are not versed in England's laws ; 
You are, at least, well read in her misfortunes. 
My Lord, I do not doubt that you are honest, 
And have the good of England much at heart; 
Nor that, besides yourself, there are among 
My Judges many upright men. But they 
Are of another country, different faith ; 
Besides, they're eager to take judgment on 
The Queen of Scotland. Sir, 'tis an old saying 
That Scots and English ever are unjust 
Towards one another ; but this living hatred 
Will never be extinguished till at last 
One Parliament, in concord, shall unite them, 
One common sceptre rule throughout the Island! 
Could England hope for that good fortune from 
A Stuart? 

Why not? 

I've not come to argue; 
Rather, to read the Law. 

[Reads, from a document] 

" Thus, if a plot 
Shall rise henceforth in England, in the name, 
Or for the benefit, of any claimant 
To England's crown, it is decreed that justice 
Shall straight be done on such pretender, and 
The party, if found guilty by the Court, 
Shall suffer death." 

This law was made — when, Sir? 
A year ago ! 

To be applied to me? 
That Statute is the late and deadliest bloom 
Of subtly nurtured hatred of myself. 



82 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period I] 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



BURLEIGH 
MARY 



'Twas made to blind the people, as the name 
Of Law will blind them, to the crime you'd do ! 
The charge of Babington, on which you base 
Your charges against me, is doubly false! 
I do most strenuously deny it! 

You 
Have been in correspondence with Mendoza, 
The Ambassador of Spain. 

Come to the point, 
My Lord. 

It has been proved that you have roused 
The Kings of Europe to a war with England. 
I should but exercise a sacred right 
If I stirred every State in Europe, Sir, 
To fly to arms and save me from injustice. 
Ah, 'twixt myself and England, 'tis not question 
Of justice, but of violence, and vengeance! 

[^Puts papers together^ 
I would not talk so, Madame; for the right 
Of Power is seldom on the prisoner's side. 
Quite true, my Lord. I am the weak one here; 
Elizabeth, the strong one. Let her, if 
She will, destroy me; but, my Lord, it is 
The resource of an evil cause, to seal 
The lips of an opponent. Let your Queen 
Beware, lest, making me a martyr to 
Her passions, she herself become a thing 
Of vile contumely! 

I'll tell the Queen ; ' 

[Exits, somewhat hastily, Pawlet after him. 
[^Collapsing, violent tears, in Kennedy's arms^ 
Oh, Kennedy! Her hatred is relentless! 



CURTAIN 



EPISODE FIVE 



ELIZABETH 



MELVIL 



ELIZABETH 



MELVIL 



Scene:— Hall at Westminster. Throne set diagonally 
up R. Approached by three steps. Table down L. 
Entrance, wide centre door. Also, down L., to 
Queen's chamber. 
Discovered: — Elizabeth, on throne. Before her, 
two Scotch Ambassadors. Near door, two 
French Ambassadors; L., Leicester, and Tal- 
bot, in serious discourse. Opposite, a group of 
foreign Ambassadors. 
At rise:— ^ paper is handed to French Ambassa- 
dors, who exit, C, indignantly. Elizabeth ad- 
dresses Scotch Ambassadors. 
My Lords Ambassadors from Scotland, you 
Choose an ill time to plead for clemency. 
We've been obliged to hand their passports to 
The French Ambassadors, who, on the same 
Sad errand, have besieged us, here, for weeks, 
Themselves conspiring against our throne. 
But, Madame, if that accusation's founded, 
Yoiir Majesty will surely not place blame 
Upon a helpless prisoner, for deeds 
Committed by hot-headed sympathizers. 
Her sympathizers wax too numerous, Melvil. 
It is their number, constantly increasing. 
That prove our life is hourly endangered 
While this arch-enemy still works her plots. 
Your Majesty, the King of Scotland and 
His Ministers have authorized us, in 

83 



84 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



ELIZABETH 

MELVIL 
ELIZABETH 



BURLEIGH 



ELIZABETH 



[period IJ 



Their names, to pledge that Mary Stuart shall 
Renounce all claims to England's throne and crown 
In favour of her son — 

What, Melvil! Would 
You have us twofold arm our enemy 
Where he now holds a single weapon 'gainst us? 
Pray does your Majesty regard the King, 
My youthful master, as an enemy? 
Nay, nay ! He is our good and trusty friend. 
'Twas a mere slip of tongue. Go, gentlemen; 
Seek new means of adjustment. On our side 
We'll do our best to arrive at what is fair. 

[Melvil and his companions rise, bowing, 

backwards, from the room, through door C. 

They pass Burleigh, who enters, hurrying 

forward to Elizabeth] 
Good morrow, my Lord Burleigh. What is new? 
Illustrious Sovereign! There remains but one 
Cloud, now, to darken over England. Once, 
Your Majesty, the Lady Stuart is 
Despatched, peace is assured throughout the land. 
The judgment being rendered, it is wisdom 
Swiftly to execute it. 

Good my Lord— 
This name of " wisdom " — ah, how hateful 'tis 
When it calls out for blood ! Yes, verily ! 
My soul loathes, hates the very sound of " wisdom " ! — 
My Lord of Shrewsbury! 
[Talbot comes forward, Leicester draws nearer^ 
Come! We'd have your counsel 
Upon this Stuart matter which so threatens 
The peace of England and the throne itself. ' 

What's your opinion of it? 



i;PISODE v] 
ALBOT 

iLIZABETH 
TALBOT 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



85 



ELIZABETH 



Leicester 



Madame, ft 
Were well some other means were found than death. 
Though sentence has been passed, it seems not just. 
Ah? Is the learned Talbot advocate 
For our and England's enemy ? 

Your Majesty, 
I would not take the part of her mis-actions; 
But, carried in her infancy to France, 
Where, in a round of constant dissipation. 
She was deluded by the glare of vice — 
Nay, carried onward, by the stream, to ruin. 
She has been like a straw upon the water! 
Hers was the vain possession of a beauty 
And birth exceeding others of her sex— 
My Lord of Shrewsbury, collect yourself! 
Her charms must be beyond comparison 
When they engender in an elder's blood 
Such fire! My Lord of Leicester, you are silent. 
The name that makes him eloquent deprives 
You of your speech ? 

[Pawlet and Mortimer enter, up C. 
Your Majesty, I gave 
My verdict for her death ; but here, in Council, 
I may, consistently, speak otherwise. 
I question now, since France is silenced, Scotland 
Unable to protest or rescue her. 
If this be time — or if 'tis necessary 
To carry out the sentence. I would counsel 
Suspension of it, leaving it in force. 
Let her live on, but with the axe suspended 
Above her head, as warning that upon 
The raising of an arm on her behalf 
The blade will drop. 



86 

ELIZABETH 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period 



PAWLET 



MORTIMER 



ELIZABETH 



MORTIMER 



ELIZABETH 



MORTIMER 



ELIZABETH 

PAWLET 

BURLEIGH 



PAWLET 



BURLEIGH 



My Lords, I thank you, all. 
I'll weigh your arguments, with God's assistance 
Decide. — Sir Amy as Pawlet! 

[Pawlet comes forward, kneels] 
What is new? 
Your Majesty, Sir Edward Mortimer, 
My nephew, who's returned from foreign travel, 
Begs leave to offer homage to his Queen. 

[Comes forward, kneels] 
Long live her Majesty! 

Arise, Sir Knight! 
So you have been in France? And Rome? Come 

tell me 
What plots our enemies are hatching! 

. God 
Confound them! May the bolts now aimed against 
England's true Queen recoil upon themselves. 
Yet I have heard that you frequented, Sir, 
The schools at Rheims, and have abjured your faith? 
I did, my Liege, pretend so ; but it was 
To serve my Royal Mistress. 

[Elizabeth addresses Pawlet, but studies 
Mortimer. 

You've a paper ? 
'Tis a petition from my Lady Stuart. 

[^Reaches for it] 
I'll take it, Sir. A faithful subject should 
Protect his Sovereign from vain complaint. 

l^Gives letter to Elizabeth, who opens it, 
reads. To Burleigh] 
'Tis no complaint. It is a boon she asks. 
She would have audience with the Queen. 

She canno 



EPISODE V] 
PAWLET 

BURLEIGH 
ELIZABETH 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



87 



TALBOT 



BURLEIGH 



LEICESTER 



ELIZABETH 



MORTIMER 
ELIZABETH 



MORTIMER 



Sir, if the Queen be gracious, are you man 
To hinder pity? 

She is condemned to death. 
If now the Queen should give her audience here, 
It is equivalent to pardon. 

\_Applies handkerchief to her eyes\ 
Ah, 
To what extremities is she reduced 
Whose proud beginnings were so glorious! 
My Liege, your heart is pitiful. Be kind 
To this most abject princess. 

Majesty, 
While pity is praiseworthy, let it not 
Mislead you. 

Nay, my Lords, the Queen is wise. 
She does not need our counsel. 

[Drying her eyes] 

We must try 
To find a means of reconciling pity 
With what necessity imposes on us! 
Retire, my Lords! — Sir Edward Mortimer! 

[Mortimer approaches. The Lords bow 
themselves out, C. Leicester exits down 
L, Pawlet watches, as he, too, withdraws, 
puzzled. 
My Liege — 

Sir, you have been abroad — frequented 
The company of England's enemies. 
You know our crown can never be secure 
While she who fans that bigot zeal, and fires 
Their hopes, still lives. 

She lives, your Majesty, 
Only so long as you command it. 



88 

ELIZABETH 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



MORTIMER 
ELIZABETH 

MORTIMER 

ELIZABETH 

MORTIMER 

ELIZABETH 

MORTIMER 
ELIZABETH 



MORTIMER 



ELIZABETH 



PAWLET 



MORTIMER 
PAWLET 



True — 
The sentence waits our Royal signature. 
But that, affixed, makes us responsible. 
A most unpleasant thought. No, no ! The deed 
Must be so done that our participation 
In her removal be, at least, left doubtful. 
There must be other means for't? 

Surely, Madame. 
Sir, you have somewhat more of spirit than 
Your uncle. 

Has your Majesty explained 
Your wishes to him? 

Not — successfully. 
Age makes him scrupulous, perhaps. 

But you 
Have youth and courage? 

Both, your Majesty. 
\^Comes from throne seat, to him, softly^ 
Sir Edward, If some morning you might wake 
Me with this news, " Your lifelong enemy, 
The Lady Stuart, Is no more," that day 
Would see the dawn of much preferment. 

Madame, 
Depend on me! 

God speed you, Sir. 

[Exits in room, L. 
[Enter, from up C. He eyes Mortimer] 

What said 
The Queen to you? 

Nay, naught of consequence. 
Ah, Mortimer. Youth far too easily 
Is baited with preferment. Let none tempt you 
To stain your conscience. 



EPISODE V] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



89 



I MORTIMER 
TALBOT 



MORTIMER 
PAWLET 



LEICESTER 



PAWLET 



LEICESTER 
MORTIMER 

LEICESTER 
MORTIMER 

LEICESTER 



MORTIMER 
LEICESTER 

• MORTIMER 



What, Sir, do you mean ? 
Away with pretence. I know what the Queen 
Desires of you. She hopes your youth will prove 
More pliant than my age. 

Sir- 
Have you promised? 
For, if you have, my curse on you — 

[Enter, from L.j Leicester. 
Ah, Pawlet! 
The Queen is much possessed in favour of 
Your nephew. She confides the Scottish pris'ner 
Hereafter to your mutual care, relying 
On his fidelity. 

So? She relies 
On him ? Sir, I'll rely upon myself 
And on my two good eyes. 

[ExitSj C.J in dudgeon. 
The Knight seems angered? 
'Tis at the confidence the Queen reposes^ 
In one who is so recent come to Court. 
You wished to speak to me, in private? 

Yes! 
First, some assurance that I may, with safety. 
And what assurance on your side, who show 
Two different aspects here? Which is the real one? 
Come! Lead the way to confidence, I'll follow. 

[Mortimer gives Leicester Mary's package. 
He opens it. 
I bear a letter from the Queen of Scotland. 
Her likeness! 

[Kisses miniature; reads letter eagerly^ 
Now, Sir, I can trust you ! 



90 

LEICESTER 
MORTIMER 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



LEICESTER 



MORTIMER 



LEICESTER 



MORTIMER 



LEICESTER 



[period III 

The 



Contents of this are known to you? 

No, Sir. 
The Queen said you'd explain the riddle to me. 
For 'tis a riddle that the Earl of Leicester, 
The far-famed favourite of Elizabeth, 
Should be the man from whom the Queen of Scotland 
Expects deliverance. 

How comes it, Sir, 
That you take such an int'rest in her fate? 
What was it gained her confidence ? 

My Lord, 
I speak unveiledly. I have abjured 
The English creed and stand in correspondence 
With Rheims. A letter from the Cardinal 
Was my credential to the Queen. 

I see. 
I have had news of your conversion. Well, Sir, 
You seem surprised my heart is turned towards 
The Royal captive. I have never been 
Indifferent to her. Her beauty was 
Impressed upon my heart long years ago. 
I've had a hope, which through a faithful hand 
I have conveyed to her, that I might yet 
Deliver her; and in this letter she 
Makes proffer of her hand, share in her crown, 
If I will rescue her. 

Yet you, my Lord, 
Have let her be condemned with scarce a protest. 
You do not think that I would, patiently. 
Have seen her led to death? I hope to ward 
Off all extremes, until I find a means 
That's certain. 



EPISODE V] 
MORTIMER 

LEICESTER 

MORTIMER 
LEICESTER 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



91 



Sir, I have the means to save her; 
Reliable confederates; and all 
Is ready. 

Your confederates — are they 
In Mary's confidence, concerning me? 
My Lord— 

This is a dangerous enterprise, 
And things may change. My Lady Stuart has 
Requested audience with the Queen. I can, 
I think, arrange it with some tact. I hope so. 
An audience that shall seem like mere chance — 
A something accidental. Yes, I can 
Arrange it; for the Queen — this. Sir, in private — 
Has a true woman's curiosity 
To look upon and gauge the far-famed beauty 
Of Lady Stuart. I'll indulge her—Fll 
Arrange it, Sir. — Wait — 

[Up to C, suddenly, opens door there] 
Ah, my enemy. 
And Lady Stuart's. Come ! We'll find a place 
More covered. 

[Takes Mortimer's arm and goes toward 
exit, R, 



CURTAIN 



EPISODE SIX 



KENNEDY 



MARY 



KENNEDY 



MARY 



Scene: — A space in the woods; at Fotheringay. 

At rise: — Enter, almost on a run, Mary, followed 

by Kennedy. Mary gazes about her in a kind 

of delirious happiness. 
Wait, Lady Stuart! Wait! You fly this way 
And that, like one on wings. I cannot keep 
Up with you ! 

Oh, I'm childish, Kennedy! 
Come ! Be a child with me ! For three long years 
I have not seen green fields, save through the bars 
That guard my prison. Ah — the last time I 
Was giv'n an airing, 'twas on horseback; but, 
So fearful were they I would make escape. 
My horses' legs were hobbled. But, no matter. 
For one brief moment free — the walls of my 
Dark chamber, yonder, left behind me, I 
Would drink deep draughts of this most heavenly air! 

[She moves, arms outstretched, to receive it. 
Oh, Lady, you're not free ! 'Tis only that 
The trees cut off the Castle from your view! 
I thank you, friendly trees, for flattering thus 
My sweet illusion! I'm so happy now 
It is a pain ! I dream that I am free ! 
The blue of heav'n that circles overhead 
Gives me a wide, unfettered glimpse of space — 
Oh, vast, immeasurable sea of Space! 
Look at those clouds that, steering southward, fly 

92 



EPISODE Vl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



93 



KENNEDY 
MARY 



KENNEDY 



MARY 



KENNEDY 



MARY 



I 



PAWLET 



MARY 



PAWLET 



Towards France where all who love me are — the dead, 
The living — 

Lady — 

Oh, that I might sail 
Away on them, all tranquilly, to greet 
The dear land of my youth ! — See, Kennedy, 
There is a fisherman, returning home. 
Could he but throw his net to a poor Queen 
And draw her hence, he'd have a draught such as 
Ne'er yet had fallen to him ; a rich draught — 
Nay, Madame, have a care ! Do not indulge 
In such wild wishes. Spies are all about us. 
No, Jane, you are mistaken. This small favour 
Is harbinger of greater happiness, 
And I know whence it comes. It is from Leicester. 
I cannot fathom their strange contradictions! 
But yesterday your death was talked of ; all 
At once, today, you have this liberty — 
Hark! There's a bugle! There's a hunting party 
About here, somewhere. Oh — what memories 
That bugle wakes in me! 

[Enter, Pawlet] 

Sir Pawlet, thank you ! 
This freedom comes, I know, as consequence 
Of the request made in my letter. 

I 
Delivered it. You may prepare for still 
A greater privilege. 

You startle me! 
Proceed ! 

The Queen is nearby. She is hunting. 
Now, shortly, you're to see her — face to face. 

[Mary recoils^ almost fainting. 



94 

KENNEDY 
PAWLET 

MARY 
PAWLET 

MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



TALBOT 



MARY 



TALBOT 

MARY 

TALBOT 

MARY 



[Supporting hef\ 
My Lady — 

Is't not well? It was your prayer! 
Come, Madame, you had ever ready tongue. 
This is the time to use it! Now, or never! . 
But I — am not prepared — not now ! Oh, Jane, 
Let us go back, till I collect myself. 
No, Madame ; wait here for her Majesty. 
You well may be alarmed to stand before 
Your Judge. 

Far other thoughts disturb me, Sir. 
[Shrewsbury enters. She hurries to him] 
Lord Shrewsbury ! You're a very angel sent 
From heav'n ! I cannot, will not see the Queen. 
Oh, save me ! Save me ! 

Come, your Majesty! 
This is the weightiest moment of your fate! 
I know it! And for years I have prepared 
To meet it; written down, weighed, studied all 
That I would say ; have learned by heart that which 
Might touch and move her to compassion. Now, 
Fierce, burning memories of wrongs consume 
All I have meant to say to her — 

Come, Madame; 
She holds the power, now; therefore, be humble! 
I, humble? I, to her? No, never. Sir! 
'Tis not the season to insist on rights. 
My prayer is heard. Alas, the answer comes 
In guise of curse to me ! I never should 
Have prayed for it! 'Twere better we should never 
Look on each other. I have been too hurt — 
Too grievous hurt ; and she too grievously 
Has hurt me! 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 

Madame ; place more confidence 
In her. She's not unfeeling. Did not I 
Stand by while she was reading your request? 
Did I not see her tears with my own eyes ? 
This is my reason for entreating you; 
For coming in advance. 

Ah, Talbot, you 
Have always been my friend. But others have 
So terribly misused me! 

Nay, forget it! 
Receive her with submissiveness. 

Is Burleigh 
My evil genius with her ? 

None attends 
Except Lord Leicester. 

[Starts] 
Leicester's with her? 



95 



Have 



No fear of him ; the bringing of the Queen 
To Fotheringay was his work. 

[To Kennedy] 

Was I right? 
Go now, apart, a step or two ; for she 
Is coming. 

[Enter Elizabeth, with Leicester. Cour- 
tiers and ladies behind her. Elizabeth 
talks, to Leicester, in deliberately selected 
tone and words as they enter. 
'Twere best send back our retinue to London. 

[Leicester dismisses courtiers] 
The sight of them, and us, rouses our people 
To quite idolatrous joy ! 



g6 

MARY 
ELIZABETH 
LEICESTER 
ELIZABETH 

LEICESTER 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



TALBOT 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



Oh, God! There is 
No sign of pity in that hard, cold face ! 

[Fixes her eyes upon Mary] 
What lady. Sir, is this? 

Your Majesty, 
These are the woods of Fotheringay. 

[Feigning surprise, reproof^ 

My Lord 
Of Leicester, who has done this? 

Dear my Liege, 
Not I, but Heav'n has led you here ! But, now — 
Oh, be magnanimous, your Majesty; 
Let pity have its full sway in your heart! 
Your Majesty, be merciful! Look on 
This most unfortunate of women, who. 
Dissolved in anguish, faints before you. 

[Mary, clinging to Kennedy, advances a few 
steps, but halts, shuddering. 

Nay, 
My Lords, which of you was it who described 
To me a prisoner bowed by sorrow ? Here's 
A haughty woman, who's by no means humbled 
By her calamities. 

[The anxious Lords try to calm her, 
[To Kennedy, mho is urging her to speak] 
I will submit, 
Forget my dignity, my sufferings ; 
Kneel at her feet who's cause of all my sorrows. 
[Turns, takes step towards Elizabeth] 
Ah, Madame, it is clear that Heaven has lent 
Approval to you. You are triumph-crowned. 
God's power has raised you, and I bless Him for it. 



EPISODE Vl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



97 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



Now, In your turn, be gracious to a sister 

Who calls to you from depths of her distresses. 

This attitude becomes you, Lady Stuart. 

t praise my God, who has not suffered me 

To kneel at your feet, as you kneel at mine. 

Vicissitude waits on men equally. 

Do not, before the eyes of others, dishonour 

Yourself by so dishonouring me. Do not 

Disgrace the royal blood of Tudor. In 

My veins a stream as noble courses. Oh, 

For God's sake, pity! Do not stand apart 

So inaccessible, when I, to touch 

Your heart, lay mine so widely open to you. 

You Avished to speak to me, and I, the Queen 

Of England, putting by the wrongs I have 

Endured from you, now grant the boon you asked. 

Well, Lady Stuart, what have you to say? 

You're here, now, in the Royal presence. Speak! 

Ah, how shall I begin! How may I so 

Arrange my v/ords that they may reach, yet not 

Offend your heart? God give me strength that I 

Wound not ; and yet, how may my cause be pleaded, 

Without impeaching you ? I wish 'twere not so ! 

Like you, I am a Queen, yet you have held me 

Full eighteen years confined in prison, though 

I came as suppliant to you, who offered 

Me hospitality, protection. True, 

I've been protected — by stone walls; but I 

Have seen all friends torn from me ; I have been 

Exposed to cruel insults, cruel want; 

Last, hurried to the bar of a disgraceful 

And insolent tribunal! But, I'll think 



98 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 



On these no more; I'll bury all I've suffered. 
I'll blame it all on Fate — 

No, on your own 
Deceitful heart the blame lies. 'Twas the wild 
Ambitions of your people. No ill will 
As yet had passed between us when your uncle, 
Imperious, proud priest, whose shameless hand 
Would grasp all crowns, attacked me; led you on, 
To lay claim to my true and loyal kingdom! 
What arms did he not use against my throne? 
But, you say rightly, God is with me! And, 
That haughty Cardinal was cut off in 
The combat, forced to yield it! He aimed blows 
At my head, but 'tis yours which falls. 

Mayhap. 
Still, I am In God's hands. You never can 
Employ the power He gives so cruelly. 
What's to prevent me ? 'Twas your uncle set 
Example to the Kings of Europe how 
Best to conclude a peace with those they hated. 
I have his lesson of Bartholomew! 
I practise only what your priests have taught. 
My surety lies in force. No compact can 
Be made with vipers ; no peace be patched up 
That will endure! 

Nay, this Is but suspicion — 
A dark, a wrong suspicion. You have, from 
The first, met me as enemy. Had you 
But named me heir to your dominions, as 
My right is — 

Name you heir, that while I live 
You might allure — seduce my people? 

Sister — 



EPISODE Vl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



99 



ELIZABETH 



MARY 
ELIZABETH 

MARY 



I yield all claim to these domains. My wings 

Are lamed. I am no more enticed by greatness. 

You've won your point. I am but my own shadow. 

My long captivity, at last, has broken 

My spirit. Now my bloom is gone. Your work 

Is done. But you are not come here to mock 

A victim. You will surely hear me. Madame, 

Pronounce the word. Say: " Mary, you are free! 

You've felt my power, now learn to honour, as well, 

My generosity." Say this, and I 

Will take up life again, as gift, so hold it 

From you. One word will wash out all the past! 

Oh, Madame! Speak it!— 

You, at last, confess 
You're conquered? All your schemes, then, have run 

out? 
No more leagues with adventurers to free you ? 
No more seductions practised on your gaolers? 
So these, my Lord of Leicester, are the charms 
Which no man with impunity could look on? 
With whom no woman could hold comparison? 
r sooth, her honours have been cheaply gained! 
She, who was common to all men, with ease 
Became the common object of approval! 
Oh — this is too much ! 

Now, you show us your 
True face, which youVe been masking! 

I have never 
Denied, or sought to hide my weaknesses, 
The faults of youth ; the worst of me is known ! 
But some will tell you, I am better than 
The fame I bear ; and woe to you when, in 



lOO 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



TALBOT 



MARY 



TALBOT 

LEICESTER 
MARY 



KENNEDY 



The tfme to come, a world shall tear away 
The veil of arch-hypocrisy that hides 
Your secret lusts. Virtue was not your birthright! 
It is well known what brought your mother's head, 
The head of Anne Bullen, to the block ! 

[Talbot, forward, parts the angry Queens. 
[To Mary] 
Is this the moderation, the submission. 
You promised? 

Moderation! I've endured 
All human nature can endure. No more 
Sheep-hearted resignation, passive patience! 
Oh, could my tongue but fling out darts, steeped, 

poisoned. 
With my long pent-up, bitter rancour ! 

Oh, 
My Liege, forgive her! 

Come, your Majesty! 
[Shakes Kennedy's arm off. Advances towards 
Elizabeth] 
A Bastard soils the English throne, profanes it! 
The proud and gen'rous Britons are befooled 
By a mean trickster, whose whole soul is false 
And painted, like her face! If right prevailed 
You'd be here, in the dust, kneeling to me, 
Who am your rightful sovereign! 

[Elizabeth shrinks before her; turns, exits 
hastily. The Lords, in consternation, 
follow. 

[Wrings her handsl 

God! My Lady! 
Oh, my poor Lady! Now, what have you done? 



p 



EPISODE Vl] 
MARY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



lOI 



What have I done? I've thrown the weight of moun- 
tains 
From my overburdened heart! I've plunged live steel 
In my oppressor's breast, where, I know well, 
She harbours death for me! Ah, Jane! At last! 
After these years of sorrow, this abasement, 
I've had one great, victorious revenge! 



CURTAIN 



EPISODE SEVEN 



i 
Scene : — Before a Curtain. 1 

At rise : — A Guard crosses from L. to R. Enter, L., 

in great anxiety, Mortimer. Arriving C, he looks] 

after Guard, then turns, meeting Leicester, who 

enters L. Leicester is absorbed. 

MORTIMER My Lord — 

LEICESTER [Scarcely recognizes him^ 

Well, Sir? 

MORTIMER Your ear, my Lord. 

LEICESTER What, now? 

Why do you dog me ? 

MORTIMER I have come to warn you. 

At Fotherlngay — 

LEICESTER Damn Fotherlngay! To think 

Of all the pains I took to lure the Queen there, 
And then the bitter turn that ended all! 
I am undone! The Queen already blames 
My counsel for her sad experience. Go ! 

MORTIMER Alas, my Lord, if that were all! Lord Burleigh 

Has got possession of the letter which 
The Queen addressed to you, my Lord, in which 
She faithfully renews the promises 
First made to you, and mentions quite unveiled. 
My embassy which bore her picture to you. 

LEICESTER God^s death ! And hell ! Then I am ruined. 

MORTIMER Sir, 

I bring you instant word that you may be 



102 



EPISODE VIl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



103 



LEICESTER 



I 

MORTIMER 



;!iURLEIGH 
ELIZABETH 



BURLEIGH 
ELIZABETH 



Beforehand with Lord Burleigh. Save yourself 
And her. An oath will clear you. You have but 
To find some pretext. You are bold, my Lord, 
And fertile in invention — 

[Leicester paces about; then stops sharply. 
True ! True ! Ho, 
Ho, Guards ! Come here, Guards ! 

[Guards appear, extreme jR.] 

Seize this traitor! Keep 
Him closely while I find her Majesty. 
He has confessed a hideous plot to me ! 

[Exits L., leaving Mortimer dumbfounded. 
Good God ! He*d build a bridge upon my ruin ! 
Oh, curses on you, Leicester, who betray 
Your faith, and Mary, my beloved Queen! 

[Plunges a knife into his breast, and falls, as 
Guards rush to him. 

LIGHTS OUT 

LIGHTS UP ON 

Scene: — As in Episode Five. 

Discovered: — At table, letter in hand, Elizabeth. 
Near her. Lord Burleigh. Elizabeth is read- 
ing, and is agitated. 

Your Majesty, does not that letter plain 

Convict him? 

Oh, the traitor! Yet, my Lord, 

Suppose — it is quite possible the screed 

Is a foul trap set by that cunning harlot 

To ruin him in our regard? 

My Liege — 

Be it as may, 'twas Leicester lured me there 

Into the presence of his paramour; 



104 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



BURLEIGH 
LEICESTER 



BURLEIGH 

LEICESTER 
ELIZABETH 



LEICESTER 

ELIZABETH 

LEICESTER 



BURLEIGH 
LEICESTER 



And he shall pay for it. Go! Give my orders 
He's not to be admitted, should he come. 

[BuRLEiGH turns towards door, C, which 

opens suddenly. LEICESTER almost bursts 

into the room. 
My Lord — you. Sir, intrude without permission? 
" Permission ? " Who stands high enough at Court 
As to permit my coming or forbid it? 
Your Majesty has giv'n a willing ear 
To him. I ask the like. 

'Tis useless. Sir! 
WeVe here the letter that condemns you! 

Letter? 
Do you deny it? Or that you received 
Her likeness ? That you've given her hope that you 
Would free her ? 

I confess, my Liege, and freely. 
You traitor! This shall end, Sir, in the Tower. 
'Twas wrong to make a secret of my work. 
I own, I have had correspondence with 
The Lady Stuart; but 'twas as a means 
Of searching out her plots. A dangerous game — 
No one but Leicester in your Court were bold 
Enough to play it. 

If your thought was loyal 
Why should you have concealed it? 

Your way. Sir, 
Is always to prate much before you act. 
My manner is to act, and then to speak! 
In spite of all your watchfulness, the Stuart 
Were free today had I not hindered it. 
Her Majesty confided in young Mortimer; 
Went farther, gave a secret charge to him— 



EPISODE VIl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



105 



ELIZABETH 
LEICESTER 



BURLEIGH 
LEICESTER 



GUARD 



LEICESTER 



ELIZABETH 



My Liege's tender heart might well deceive her; 
But where, my Lord, were your ten thousand eyes 
Not to discover Mortimer was false? 
That he, the Guise's tool, and Mary's creature, 
Came here to free the Stuart and to murder 
The Queen of England! 

What? Young Mortimer? 
This very night she was to have been freed. 
But he disclosed the plan to me. I took 
Him pris'ner. In despair, he slew himself. 
Or did you slay him ? 

What a vile suspicion! 
l_Up C.J throws open the door, and calls into 
corridor^ 
Ho, Guard! 

[Guard appears in door, C] 
Relate how Mortimer expired. 
I was on duty on the Palace porch. 
When suddenly my Lord of Leicester called 
And ordered me to take a knight in charge. 
Denouncing him as traitor. Upon this. 
Before the guards could hinder his intent, 
The knight pulled out a dagger, plunged it in 
His heart. He fell — 

Enough! You may withdraw; 
Her Majesty is satisfied. 

[Guard exits. Elizabeth sinks into chair be- 
side table. 

How I'm 
Surrounded by vile treachery! Good God! 
I know not where I stand, or what to think ! 
A curse on her who brings me all this anguish ! 



io6 

LEICESTER 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



BURLEIGH 

ELIZABETH 
LEICESTER 

ELIZABETH 



BURLEIGH 



ELIZABETH 

BURLEIGH 

TALBOT 

ELIZABETH 



I take back all my protests ; she must die. 
I would advise your Majesty to have 
The writ that fixes execution drawn 
At once! 

And I; and since his Lordship shows 
Such zeal, were it not well that he be named 
To see the sentence is true executed? 
My Lord advises well. I'll think it over. 
In every sense that suits a Burleigh ; but 
My rank should free me from a like commission. 
Lord Burleigh may partake the honour with you. 

[To Burleigh] 
My Lord, will you call Davison ; command 
The warrant? 

[Burleigh hurries to door, C, As he opens it 
a clamour is heard in the outer corridor} 

Nay, what uproar's this? ; 

[Re- enters, speaks rapidly^ 

My Liege, 
A panic spreads through London. It is rumoured 
That murderers commissioned here from Rome 
Attack your throne ; that they have forced the Palace 
And swear to free the Stuart, set her in 
Your place. Your Majesty, delay no longer! 
This day must surely be her last! 

[Enter, Davison, with warrant. Behind him 
Talbot, troubled. 

The warrant — 
Oh, God— 

You hear your people clamouring? Sign it! 
Your Majesty, do not be hasty I 

Talbot! 
The people ask it — I'm so weary — weary 



EPISODE VII ] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



107 



BURLEIGH 



I 



ELIZABETH 



Of this most frightful strife! If one of us 
Two Queens must perish to make safe the other 
Why should it not be I who yields? My people 
Shall make decision. I have governed them 
These many years successfully; but, then. 
Naught has been needed but to make them happy. 
Now comes my first momentous regal duty. 
It makes me feel how weak a woman I am ! 
I should betray my office, and my country, 
Were I, your Majesty, to stand here, silent. 
This is no hour for mercy ! To promote 
Your people's welfare is your highest duty. 
What! Will you leave the kingdom longer to 
The storm of civil strife? Religious discord? 
I'll draw no counsel from mere human sources! 
I must spread out my doubts before the Judge 
Of all. I'll act on His revealings only. 
Withdraw, my Lords — 

[To Davison, as Lords , bowing, exit up C] 

You, Sir, wait there, apart. 
l^Gazes long at warrant^ 
Have I not practised justice all my life? 
Shunned mere despotic deeds? Have I done so 
Only to stay my hands at this, the first 
But necessary act of violence? 
It is in self-defence ! It is an act 
That must be to defend my life, and throne! 
All Europe's powers are allied to destroy me. 
Spain, even now, prepares a fierce sea war 
That shall exterminate our people! Well — 
They know who 'tis who stirs the world against us, 
For whose sake I am excommunicated — . 

[A silence^ 



io8 MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS [period ii 

No — Mary Stuart is a threatening fiend 
Who's ever there before me! Yes, her head 
Must fall. I will have peace in England! She 
Has been the bane of my existence. Every 
Fair hope I've planted has been blighted by 
This viper. Not until she is no more 
Can I be free! 

[Crosses C, deep in thought] 

How she looked down on me! 
It was as if her eye would blast me. Ah, 
The wretch! I am a bastard, am I? 

[Stabs at paper savagely, signing the warrant. 
Beckons to Davison, who comes forward, 
receives it on his knee; then, dismissed, he 
backs, bowing, to door C] 
And, Davison, do you give orders that 
A velvet suit be made to fit the headsman. 
I would the deed were done in royal manner — 

[Reacts, sinks into chair. 

CURTAIN 



EPISODE EIGHT 



I 



PAWLET 



KENNEDY 
MELVIL 



KENNEDY 



MELVIL 



Scene: — As in Episode Four, save that wide doors, up 
C.J are open. Black velvet curtains cut off view of 
hall. 

Discovered: — Kennedy, in black, at cabinet, upon 
which are packages that she is sorting and ad- 
dressing, while stopping, now and then, to apply 
handkerchief to eyes. Enter, a moment after. 

At rise: — Pawlet, in black, also. He carries a jewel 
box, which he lays before Kennedy, with some 
slips of paper. 

This, Mistress, Is the inventory. You 

Will see it mentions everything the Queen 

Brought with her. 

[He exits. Enter, Melvil. She turns, rises, 
meets him with little spasmodic cry. 
Melvil! Is it really you? 

Yes, Kennedy. And so, we meet again — 

But, 'tis a bitter meeting! Well, I've come 

To bid the Queen farewell, a last farewell! 

Oh, would I never had been born to see 

This day, Sir Melvil! 

There ! — there ! Say no more I 

We will undo each other with our grief ! 

But on this last sad day we must be firm. 

Come ! pledge your word to moderate your tears ; 

For, when the rest, giv'n over to despair 

Wail round her Majesty, 'tis we must give 

Support to her to meet what comes ! 

109 



no 

KENNEDY 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



MELVIL 
KENNEDY 



MELVIL 



KENNEDY 



ELSPETH 



KENNEDY 

ELSPETH 

MELVIL 
ELSPETH 

MELVIL 



Ah, Melvil, ; 
You*re mistaken if you think the Queen ! 

Has need of our support to meet her death 
With firmness. It is she, my friend, who will 
Exhibit courage, an undaunted heart! 
Where is she now? May I not go to her? 
She passed the night in prayer and writing, Sir, 
Saying farewell, in this way, to her friends ; 
And then she wrote her Will with her own hand ; 
But now she's resting. Sir, a moment. 

Who 
Is with her? 

None, Sir, but the women, who 
Have been allowed to come back to her, and 
The doctor, Burgoyne. 

\^Enter, meeping, Elspeth Curle] 

Mistress Curie — ^well? Is 
The Queen awake? 

She is already dressed 
And asking for you, madame. 

[Kennedy hurries to door. Melvil would 
follow, but she stops him. 

Wait, Sir Melvil, 
Until her Majesty has been prepared 
To see you. 

[To Melvil] 
Are you really, Sir, the Queen*s 
Old friend? Then, Sir, you come from London? 

Yes. 
Sir, what Is said there of my husband? He 
Is Curie, the Secretary. 

Ah, indeed? 
He will be set at liberty, as soon — 






EPISODE VIII ] 
ELSPETH 



I 



MELVTL 
ELSPETH 



MELVIL 
ELSPETH 

MELVIL 
KENNEDY 



MELVIL 
KENNEDY 



MELVIL 
KENNEDY 



BURGOYNE 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS iii 

As soon as she whom he traduced is dead ! 
Oh, Sir, he is our Lady's murderer! 
All say it was his testimony that 
Condemned her. 

That is true ! 

Then curses on him! 
What he has testified was false! False! false! 
It was — 

Nay, Mistress, careful what you say here. 
I care not. Sir, for Care! I will maintain it 
Before the Court! The Queen dies innocent. 
God grant it's true. Mistress. 

[Kennedy re-ewters hurriedly. Speaks to 
Elspeth. 

Will you require 
A cup of wine for her ? 

[Elspeth exits hurriedly, C, between the 
black curtains. 

Is the Queen ill? 
Sir, she believes she's strong. She will not eat; 
But, with the painful ordeal that's before her, 
Her enemies shall not enjoy the triumph 
Of saying fear has blanched her cheek when 'tis 
But weariness. 

May I go, now, and see her? 
Sir, she is coming here. 

[^Enter Burgoyne, with two weeping women. 
All in deep mourning. 

Ah, Melvil! Melvil!— 
[Sees Melvil. Forward to him. 
They embrace. 

Re-enter, in terror, Elspeth, with gold 
goblet which she sets on table. 



112 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period ii 



ELSPETH 
BURGOYNE 

ELSPETH 



MELVIL 
MARY 



MELVIL 



MARY 



Oh, God!— 

[Supporting herl 
What is it, Mistress? 

Sir, the hall 
Is draped with black ; and as I passed, I saw 
A dreadful scaffold, and a gleaming axe 
Laid on it. Throngs of people crowding round it 
Who, with a horrid curiosity, 
And thirst for blood, are waiting for the victim ! 

[Mary enters, slowly, 
[To Elspeth] 
Control yourself before her Majesty — 

[^Looking over the circle about her^ 
Why are you weeping? You, instead, should all 
Be glad with me that my long pilgrimage 
Of woe is nearly over; that my prison 
At last flies open; that henceforth, for all 
Eternity, I shall be free. Ah, Melvil — 

[Gives him her hand. He, shaking with sobs, 
kisses it~\ 
In time to see her whom you served, triumph ! 
Your coming comforts me; for now I know 
My name will not he giv'n o^er utterly 
To foes. One friend, of my own faith, will be 
Beside me, as a witness, when I die. 
Ah, Melvil, fears for you have oft depressed 
Me. Tell me, how have you, of late, fared here 
In this most hostile land for you, for me? 
Nothing has galled me, save my grief for you, 
That I have been so powerless to serve you! 
Ah, that I might have pressed, at least once ere 
My going, here, upon my breast, one in 
Whose veins the blood of Stuart ran! But I 



EPISODE VIIl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



113 



I 



^MELVIL 



MARY 



Must suffer in a foreign land, with none 

Of my own kindred by me to bewail 

My fate. Melvil, take these, my latest wishes — 

My blessing to my Royal brother, King 

Of France, and to the Royal family. 

I bless the Cardinal, my honoured kinsman. 

As well, dear Henry Guise, my cousin, both 

Remembered in my Will. I trust they'll not 

Despise the simple gifts made by a heart 

That loves them. 

[To the women aboufi 

You, I have commended to 
The King of France. He will protect you, and 
Give you another and a better country, 
A better home to all. If my last wishes 
Have weight with you, stay not in England. Nor 
Let any glut his pride with sight of your 
Calamities. Swear, by this image of 
Our suffering Lord, that when I am no more 
You'll leave this fatal land! 

[Kisses cross fervently] 

I swear it, on 
Behalf of all. 

Though I am poor, and plundered, 
That which I still possess I am allowed 
To make disposal of. It shall be shared 
Among you ; for I hope, at least in this, 
My Will will be respected. Though, 'tis said, 
The headsman takes as perquisite whate'er 
His victim, dying, wears, what I wear, on 
My way to death, I would have yours. 

[^Looks at her jewels^ 

The pomp 



114 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period ii 



KENNEDY 
MARY 



Of earth, e'en on the road to Heav*n ! You, Alice, 
You, Rosamund, and Gertrude, 

[Gives hand to each as she specks'] 

you are young. 
And ornament may still delight your heart. 
I leave my pearls to you, my clothing. Elspeth, 
To you I should be generous; for I leave you 
The most unhappy woman of them all. 
I hope my legacy will prove to you, 
Though it is but two thousand francs, alas, 
That I have not remembered against you 
Your husband's treachery. 

[Bends, kisses Elspeth's forehead] 
You, dearest Jane, 
Set but small store on precious stones, or gold. 
The dearest jewel I can leave to you 
Will be your faithful memory of me ! 
But, talce this handkerchief, dear Jane. I worked 
It for you in my hours of anguish. My 
Hot scalding tears are there within its texture. 
And I would ask a last sad service from you — 
That when the time is come for't, you will bind 
My eyes with it. I would not have that service 
From any but my faithful Kennedy. 

[To Melvil, as she turns away] 
Oh, Sir! I cannot bear it! 

Come, now, all 
Of you, and take my last farewell. 

[One after another, as named, falls on knees, 
and kisses her hand] 

Good-bye ! 
You, Alice, Elspeth, Gertrude, Jane, and you, 
Burgoyne, I thank you for your faithful service. 



EPISODE VIIl] 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



H5 



I 



MELVIL 



MARY 



MELVIL 



BURLEIGH 



MARY 



BURLEIGH 
MARY 



Your lips are hot, my Gertrude. I have been 
Much hated in my lifetime ; yet, as well, 
I've been much loved. There, there, no more! Fare- 
well! 
Farewell, my friends — Farewell, f orevermore ! 

[Turn\s away suddenly; dries eyes; speaks^ 
Melvil, my temporal affairs I have 
Arranged. I leave the world in debt to none. 
And have you strength, Madame, to overcome 
All thought of bitterness, and hatred, now? 
I do not fear relapse. I have surrendered 
My loves and hatreds to my God ! 

Then, Madame, 
Prepare for one last trial which Is in store 
For you. Lord Leicester and Lord Burleigh would 
Have a last word with you. 

[Enter Burleigh, who comes forward j and 
Leicester, who hangs backj as far in 
shadow as possible. 

My Lady Stuart, 
We've come to get from you your last desires. 
It is the pleasure of our Royal Mistress 
That nothing be denied you that is reasonable. 
If I might see a priest of my own faith — 

[Burleigh negatives this promptly^ 
Then, Sir, my Will declares my last desires; 
That I have given into Pawlet's hands. 
My humble wish is that it be fulfilled. 
You may rely on it. What more ? 

Say to 
Elizabeth — a sister Queen sends greeting. 
Say: From the bottom of my heart, I freely 
Forgive her for my death. 



ii6 



MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS 



[period II 



PAWLET 



MARY 



[To Pawlet, who is in the background, having 
entered with Burleigh and Leicester] 

You, Sir, 
I have unwittingly caused you much sorrow. 
Through me you've lost a nephew who was stay 
To you, who are in years. I pray you, let 
Me hope you will not hate me for it. 

[The curtains part up C. Enter, a group of 
armed men, who take position. The Catho- 
lics present alt cross themselves. Enter, the 
Sheriff, carrying a white staffs 
[Replying to Mary] 

God 
Go with you, Madame ! Go in peace ! 

[Turns, sees the Sheriff. A spasmodic shudder, 
and quick control. To Kennedy] 

Come, Jane, 

What ails you ? Now my hour is here, and we 
Must say adieu. 

[To Melvil, who comes to her, R.l 
You, Melvil, Kennedy, 
Attend me to the last. I've nothing now 
To wish for in this world ! 

[Melvil holds a crucifix before her. She 
kisses it, clasping it in both hands, raised to 

Heaven] 

My God, and Father! 

Into Thy hands — 

[Turns up Scene. Leicester, staring, horri- 
fied, meets her gaze. She falters, momen- 
tarily. Would speak, but looks, instead, at 
crucifix, passes up, and out, the Sheriff 
following, her women sobbing. 

THE END 



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